Das Musikalische Opfer

“Gentlemen, old Bach is here!” said Frederick the Great of Prussia during the court concert of May 7, 1747. As the famous story goes, the monarch gave Bach a theme on which he could improvise. Once back in Leipzig, he further developed the royal commission into one of his last masterpieces. In Das musikalische Opfer Bach will unite both the past and the future of music. On the one hand, he demonstrates his mastery of the ancient art of counterpoint with a series of virtuoso canons and fugues. But he also adds a trio sonata, in which he incorporates the innovations of popular, gallant music. And just as the emperor collected the cream of the crop of musicians at his court, the Handelsbeurs has also managed to attract a series of exceptional Baroque musicians. We know Daniel Sepec from the acclaimed Arcanto Quartett, but he also plays Biber's Rosenkranz sonatas on baroque violin. Christine Schornsheim released an acclaimed complete of Haydn's piano sonatas. Together with baroque specialists Busch, Schmidt-Casdorff and Patrick Sepec, they guarantee that Das musikalische Opfer will also be a true gift for us.

Musicians: Michael Schmidt-Casdorff (traverso) , Christine Busch (violin), Daniel Sepec (violin), Patrick Sepec (cello), Christine Schornsheim (harpsichord)