Classical Music in Poland and the Europe of Chopin - From the Reviewer's Notebook

Dorota Szczepańska – soprano Jan Jakub Monowid – alto Aleksander Kunach – tenor Artur Janda – bass Vocal Ensemble of the Warsaw Chamber Opera  Musicae Antiquae Collegium Varsoviense  Conductor: Dirk Vermeulen All photographs by Grzegorz Bargieł Cantata I:  Jauchzet, frohlocket, auf, preiset die Tage Cantata II.  Und es waren Hirten in derselben Gegend Cantata III.  Herrscher des Himmels, erhöre das Lallen The festive joy and jubilation that exploded over us in a spectacular, pyrotechnical fashion with three baroque trumpets and timpani at the opening of the Christmas Oratorio instantly dispelled any pandemic-related melancholia or neurotic inturned thoughtfulness that may have overtaken the heart during the present human tragedy. Here once again was Bach in therapeutic and healing guise, embracing the exultation and festive elation of his own muscular creative musical life. During 1734/1735 J.S.Bach composed three 'Oratorios' - Christmas, Easter and Ascension Day. An 'orato