SKU: CA.3116819

ISBN 9790007166786. Language: German/English. Text: Franck, Salomo. Text by Salomo Franck.

The text of Bach's cantata Tue Rechnung! Donnerwort was published in 1715, that is during Bach's Weimar period, in the Evangelisches Andachts-Opffer by Salomon Frank. This concisely-written but powerful work was, however, only composed ten years later in Leipzig, and was heard for the first time on 29 July 1725, the 9th Sunday after Trinity. Its main dramatic-musical emphasis lies clearly in the first movement, a dark, almost operatic movement for baritone and string orchestra in B minor. By contrast, the ensuing aria for tenor with obbligato oboe accompaniment is distinctly more intimate, and the duet between soprano and alto - just accompanied by continuo - is more restrained in its musical language and expression than the first movement. In between there are two extended recitatives, the first of which leads into an arioso. The breadth of expression within the cantata is striking, its opening movement a masterpiece of Bach's dramatic writing. Score and parts available separately - see item CA.3116800.

SKU: CA.3106961

ISBN 9790007206697. Text language: German/English.

Bach's Cantata BWV 69a of 1723, which has remained largely unknown to the present day, is now available for the first time in a practical edition with this Carus publication. It has been unjustly neglected as it was overshadowed by the Cantata BWV 69 of the same name, a piece which Bach reworked to celebrate the inauguration of Leipzig Town Council in 1748. On that occasion Bach re-used the parts from 1723 for simplicity, and adapted them for the new use by means of cuts, alterations, and additions - something which certainly did not mean that he rejected the 1723 version. This version can readily be recovered from the parts of 1723, if we explore beyond the alterations of 1748. With its rich wind instruments and great opening chorus, the 1723 cantata is in no way inferior to the later festive music in terms of musical splendor. The text takes the Gospel reading about the healing of the deaf and dumb man as a reason for praise and thanks for God's good deeds. In contrast to the later version, in which God is thanked for the wisdom of the Leipzig authorities, the original version of 1723 is free of such contemporary references, and is suitable for use in worship and concerts in many different ways. Score and part available separately - see item CA.3106900.

SKU: CA.3106962

ISBN 9790007206703. Text language: German/English.

Bach's Cantata BWV 69a of 1723, which has remained largely unknown to the present day, is now available for the first time in a practical edition with this Carus publication. It has been unjustly neglected as it was overshadowed by the Cantata BWV 69 of the same name, a piece which Bach reworked to celebrate the inauguration of Leipzig Town Council in 1748. On that occasion Bach re-used the parts from 1723 for simplicity, and adapted them for the new use by means of cuts, alterations, and additions - something which certainly did not mean that he rejected the 1723 version. This version can readily be recovered from the parts of 1723, if we explore beyond the alterations of 1748. With its rich wind instruments and great opening chorus, the 1723 cantata is in no way inferior to the later festive music in terms of musical splendor. The text takes the Gospel reading about the healing of the deaf and dumb man as a reason for praise and thanks for God's good deeds. In contrast to the later version, in which God is thanked for the wisdom of the Leipzig authorities, the original version of 1723 is free of such contemporary references, and is suitable for use in worship and concerts in many different ways. Score and part available separately - see item CA.3106900.

SKU: CA.5165219

ISBN 9790007313883. Key: D minor. Latin.

The English conductor and composer Howard Arman has presented us with a completed version of Mozart’s Requiem. “Another one?” you might ask, since this publication is only the latest in a long line reaching back to the traditional Süßmayr version. Yet such is the enormous power of Mozart’s score that the challenge and appeal of completing it remain undiminished. After two decades of intensive study, Howard Arman’s additions to Mozart’s great original show the requisite care and respect while incorporating many new insights.

Arman’s approach is particularly fruitful. Always aware of the appropriate limits to such re-creative work, he orients himself towards the typical characteristics of Mozart’s brilliant composing style: The masterly compositional technique, the search for innovative solutions to every problem, and even the terse treatment of the text with extremely suggestive harmonies. All of this leads to a number of new listening experiences. In the Tuba mirum, for example, we enjoy a warm, cohesive ensemble sound, supported by the bassoons, which depart from the bass line. The Confutatis presents a quite different picture: Even the basset horns are drawn down into the infernal depths. This effect is reinforced by the independence of the trombones; rather than simply following the choral parts, the instrument’s unique sound is given an opportunity to shine. Arman’s Lacrimosa achieves a lively Mozartian feel by granting the voices considerable freedom rather than following a rigid pattern. And he concludes the movement with a fugal Amen, whereby the focus is not so much on the counterpoint itself, but rather – in the spirit of Mozart – on creating a sense of drama and illuminating the theme in all its possible facets. Mozart’s fragment ends with the Hostias, and so does Arman’s completion.

For the four following movements (Sanctus to Communio) we have nothing from Mozart, and so here, where the master is silent, Arman finally returns to Süßmayr, the man who was closest to Mozart at the time of his death and whose efforts to fill the blank manuscripts still garner our respect today.

Arman’s version has already proven its practical value. The premiere with the Bavarian Radio Choir was enthusiastically received by audiences and press alike – and celebrated as offering a scholarly, entirely fresh perspective on Mozart’s masterpiece.

- World premiere by the Bavarian Radio Choir
- Enthusiastically received by audience and press.