Johann Kuhnau (1660–1722) 3 Motets
Along with an Appendix of Doubtful Attribution – Urtext edited by David Erler [mix ch]
40 pages | 19 x 27 cm | 128 g | ISMN: 979-0-004-41273-2 | Saddle Stitch
Johann Kuhnau’s extant vocal works will be fully complete in the Breitkopf & Härtel catalogue in coming years. These are cantatas as a rule, but at least works with instrumental accompaniment. The Three Motets in this volume are therefore unique, including in addition to the well known Tristis est anima mea, also the two other extant Kuhnau motets Ach Gott, wie lässt du mich verstarren, as well as Gott hat uns nicht gesetzt zum Zorn. Each one, of five parts (with the tenor or canto part doubled), these masterpieces round out the picture of Johann Kuhnau, Johann Sebastian Bach’s predecessor as St. Thomas cantor.
“Really interesting. Kuhnau shows a real feeling for the texts he is setting, with effective chromaticism in the doleful ‘Tristis est anima mea’.”
(Jeremy Jackman, Choir & Organ)
1. Ach Gott, wie lässt du mich verstarren |
2. Gott hat uns nicht gesetzt zum Zorn |
3. Tristis est anima mea |
4. Ein Mensch ist in seinem Leben wie Gras (Anonymus) |