When Johann Sebastian Bach was appointed as the Cantor of Leipzig’s Thomaskirche in 1723, third choice for the post after Telemann and Graupner, he clearly felt he had something to prove. One of the products of this was his jubilant Magnificat in E-flat, written for his first Christmas Day in Leipzig. Frequently performed in its D-major version, Dunedin Consort present it in its original version, giving a special insight into the precocious talents of the young composer, who refined his talents through the constant revision of his work.

This is paired with Handel’s Dixit Dominus, which likewise was an early experiment of the young German composer’s immersion in the Italian style. With a lucid portrayal of the highly graphic text of the psalm, this is a work that truly evokes the power and majesty of the God of the Old Testament.
Artists

John Butt, Director
Julia Doyle, Soprano 1
Miriam Allan, Soprano 2
Meg Bragle, Alto*
Nicholas Mulroy, Tenor
Matthew Brook, Bass

Meg Bragle has had to withdraw due to illness. We are thankful to Esther Brazil for stepping in at short notice.