SKU: HL.49044158

ISBN 9790001197786. UPC: 888680042257. German.

With his musical setting Nachtlicher Himmel based on words from a letter by Vincent van Gogh, Rolf Rudin ventures into downright impressionist terrain. Just as the famous painter creates literary images with his letters and knows how to visualize landscapes and frames of mind, the award-winning composer knows how to musically capture such moods and atmospheres. His composition for two- to four-part women's choir (SSAA) and piano lives on dynamic nuances, changes of time, chromaticism and triplet figures as well as harp-like arpeggios which give the work a mystical quality. Due to its chord progressions with great chromaticism, the choral part of this c. 4-minute work contains some intonational obstacles which are worth negotiating while holding out the prospect of a unique sound experience.

SKU: CA.3115349

ISBN 9790007208714. Language: German/English.

Bach chose an unconventional beginning for his nine-movement cantata Schau, lieber Gott, wie meine Feind BWV 153, which he composed in his first year as Kantor of St. Thomas's for the Sunday after New Year 1724. Instead of the usual opening chorus, the cantata opens with a simple four-part chorale movement. There are also chorales in the middle of the work (movement 5) and at the end. By avoiding extended or demanding choral movements, Bach probably wanted to save the voices of his choir members at St Thomas's, who had just been involved in a demanding week of almost constant singing. This may also be why the cantata uses just three soloists (alto, tenor, bass). In the arias, each preceded by a secco recitative, the accompaniment is provided by 2 violins and viola. Score and part available separately - see item CA.3115300.