Telemann St Matthew Passion 1754 - CD

The St. Matthew Passion of 1754 occupies a special place among Telemann's passions: it is the only work of this type that we have available that was intended for liturgical use outside Hamburg. It is not the traditions and demands of Hamburg, but rather those of Danzig in terms of interpretation that determined the construction of this passion, which cannot be compared to Telemann's other passions. Telemann's music conforms to the liturgical framework. The work is introduced by a short, plaintive sinfonia for strings, which sets the stage for the passion of Jesus. The recitatives of the evangelist are distinguished by their direct and narrative tone. The recitatives with instruments (accompagnato) and ariosi are entirely reserved for the Son of God. The text is clearly declaimed at all times. The composition meets the requirements of the Hamburg music theorist Johann Matthesom: "it is as easy and comprehensible to the ear as if it were spoken. "Telemann achieves a lively interpretation of the text with simple melodic and harmonic means and an economical accompaniment. Extreme vocal range is avoided, with the exception of the alto part for Judas the Betrayer, as well as rapid key changes and large interval leaps. Telemann subtly places important words at melodic and harmonic climaxes. He interprets the central moments of the Gospel using difficult harmonies (e.g., in Chorus no. 42d, "Let him be crucified"), chromatic coloration (e.g., in the accompagnato for Jesus no. 17, "my soul is exceedingly sorrowful"), and a mysterious false drone in the presentiment of Jesus' death (no. 5d). In general, contradictory statements in the recitatives lead to sudden harmonic changes. To intensify the dramatic action, Telemann uses the turba choruses, rich in affect, with their urgent declamation of the text and their extraordinarily terse rhythms. This Danzig Passion is notable for the large number of congregational hymns and the absence of arias; it also provides insight into Telemann's compositional practice.

Danziger Passion TWV 5:53 edited by Cartsen Lange
Martin Klietmann (tenor) - Evangelist
Klaus Mertens (bass) - Jesus
Cantamus Chamber Choir Halle
Männerechor bouquet vocalis Halle
Capella Savaria (Szombathely)
Conductor: Pál Németh

Label: United Classics
Total duration : 76'25''
Number of discs : 1
EAN : 8713545230147