Erlebach: Sweet Friendship, Precious Bond

Miriam Feuersinger, Sopran; Franz Vitzthum, Countertenor; Barczi/Capricornus Consort Basel

Philipp Heinrich Erlebach
Overture No.2 in b flat major
Aria Mein Seufzer for Soprano, String und B.c. Sonata terza in a major (Version for two Violins and B.c.)
Aria Trocknet euch, ihr heißen Zähren for Alto, String and B.c.
Overture No.4 in d minor
Duet Süße Freundschaft, edles Band for Soprano, Alto, String and B.c.

Philipp Heinrich Erlebach is one of those composers who was utterly forgotten by history. Originally from East Frisia, he arrived at the court of Rudolstadt in Thuringia at the age of 24 to serve as music director, remaining there for the rest of his life. This was why he was forgotten: during the course of history, the lustre of the court faded and the collection of over 2500 works by himself and others, amassed by Erlebach during the course of his life, was destroyed by fire. Thus this once significant composer "from the Province" faded from memory.
Only a few works by Erlebach have survived, but these give an indication of what artistic treasures have most likely been lost. With the present CD, the Capricornus Consort of Basel is making a first attempt to introduce a representative crosssection of those works of Erlebach that are still within grasp. They are strongly influenced by the French style, as is particularly evident in the two grand OvertureSuites which bear the mark of Lully. As a contrast, the Ensemble performs three secular arias sung by countertenor Franz Vitzthum and soprano Miriam Feuersinger. In the concluding duet, the two voices attain such a fantastic harmony that one can hardly distinguish precisely which of them is singing.

Price: $27.98

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