Philipp Heinrich Erlebach (1657-1714) was employed by the Thuringian court in Rudolstadt. The appeal of his cantata Fürchtet euch nicht ("Don't be afraid”) is enhanced by the sounds of trumpets and kettledrums. The Christmas cantata Kommst du, Licht der Heiden ("Come, Light of the Gentiles”) by the Danish-German Dietrich Buxtehude, who had a great influence on Bach, delights listeners with many light and almost dance-like rhythms. The two Bach works to be heard, the cantata Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland ("Come, Redeemer of the Gentiles”) and the Magnificat, are both suitable for the period before the holiday: the former was written for the first Sunday of Advent, the latter with words taken from the Gospel of Luke relating Mary's visit to Elizabeth when she thanks the Lord for being pregnant with Jesus. Positioned between the Bach works is the sole instrumental piece on the programme, Handel's five-movement concerto grosso in B-flat major, which, with its energy, cheerful tone and dance movements, also fits well with the overall atmosphere of the concert. The Purcell Choir and Orfeo Orchestra are two prominent ensembles on the Central European early music performance scene, boasting a rich repertoire and highly successful performances. The soloists for the concert are excellent singers well versed in this genre of music. Benjamin Bayl studied at Cambridge and at the Royal Academy of Music in London. In addition to the early music repertoire, he is also at home in the styles of other periods.

Presented by: Sysart Kft. Orfeo Music Foundation