Weckmann: Conjuratio. Ricercar Consort, Pierlot

Maria Keohane (soprano), Carlos Mena (alto), Hans-Jörg Mammel (tenor), Stephan McLeod (bass), Maude Gratton (organ), Ricercar Consort, Philippe Pierlot

WECKMANN Concertos I-IV, Preambulum Primi toni a 5, Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g'mein, Kommet heer zu mir alle die ihr Mühselig und beladen seÿdt, Wenn der Herr die Gefangenen zu Zion, Magnificat Secundi Toni

Conjuratio, Mirare's collection of music by German composer Matthias Weckmann, brings to light a body of work that deserves far greater attention than it has received to date. Weckmann was a student of Heinrich Schütz and rose through the ranks to become one of the leading musicians of Hamburg. He was the organist at two major churches and founded the city's Collegium Musicum. Much of the music heard here, admirably performed by the Ricercar Consort led by Philippe Pierlot, was inspired by Weckmann's experiences associated with a terrible epidemic of plague that decimated Hamburg in 1663. Among its victims were his wife and many friends and colleagues. These tragic events inspired him to write inspired works that evoke images of desolation and destruction, but also struggle and hope.

Price: $23.98