Arp-Schnitger-Festival I: Aus der Thomaskirche

Programme:
Johann Hermann Schein: Excerpts from »The Fountain of Israel« (Fontana d’Israel) and »Opella nova. Ander Teil Geistlicher Konzerten«
Samuel Scheidt: »Wir glauben all an einen Gott« SSWV 102

The »Fountain of Israel« is a collection of settings of Old Testament texts published by Johann Hermann Schein (1586-1630), one of the most notable cantors at St. Thomas in Leipzig before Johann Sebastian Bach. Originally composed for festive occasions such as weddings, funerals and promotions, they combine the expressive worldly style of Italianate madrigals with the polyphonic art of the sacred motet in the German and Dutch tradition. So the composer himself described this intriguing hybrid as »sacred madrigals in the Italian manner«. Founded in Basel in 2012, the ensemble Voces Suaves, most of whom studied at the schola Cantorum Basiliensis, specialises in Renaissance and Baroque vocal music. Backed by three continuo instruments (theorbo, violone and chamber organ), their perfectly balanced voices, precise intonation and superb artistry, they will make these expressive songs come to life in Schnitger’s baptismal church.

Voces Suaves vocal ensemble

in cooperation with Landkreis Wesermarsch