Georg Anton Benda; Johann Ernst Bach - Weimar 1755 (Ælbgut; Capella Jenensis)

Information

Composer: Georg Anton Benda; Johann Ernst Bach

• Benda - „Sein Auge hat dich nun gesehen“
• J.E. Bach - Symphony in B Flat Major
• J.E. Bach - „Mein Odem ist schwach“
• Benda - Symphony No. 1 in D Major
• J.E. Bach - Magnificat „Meine Seele erhebt den Herrn“

Ælbgut

Capella Jenensis

Date: 2025

Label: Accentus Music

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This album unites the works of Johann Ernst Bach (1722–1777) and Georg Anton Benda (1722–1795), two key figures in 18th-century Central German music. Capella Jenensis and Ælbgut present their compositions together for the first time, revealing their distinctive styles and influence on Thuringia’s musical landscape. The recording includes Bach’s cantata Mein Odem ist schwach—once thought to be by J.S. Bach—alongside rarely heard symphonies and vocal works. Using newly prepared editions, the ensembles revive this neglected repertoire, offering listeners a fresh encounter with the elegance, expressiveness, and historical richness of a nearly forgotten musical tradition.

Founded in Germany in 2018, the vocal ensemble Ælbgut was established by soprano Isabel Schicketanz, alto Stefan Kunath, and baritone Martin Schicketanz, who met while recording the complete works of Heinrich Schütz under Hans-Christoph Rademann. Their goal is to combine soloistic expressivity with the clarity of ensemble singing, focusing on music from the 16th and early 17th centuries. Ælbgut collaborates with like-minded musicians for each project, aiming to present music with authenticity, vitality, and sensitivity to text. Their debut recording, J.S. Bach’s Johannes-Passion (BWV 245), released on Coviello Classics in 2020, marked the ensemble’s artistic foundation.

Founded in 2014 in Jena, Thuringia, Capella Jenensis is among Germany’s leading ensembles for historical performance practice. Known for its precision, expressiveness, and commitment to authentic sound, the group explores music from the Renaissance to the Romantic era. Its archival research across Europe has led to the rediscovery and first recordings of many forgotten works, especially from Central German composers. Rooted in Jena’s vibrant Baroque scene, the ensemble regularly performs at major festivals and collaborates widely across artistic disciplines. Projects like “Baroque Meets Modern” reflect its innovative spirit, blending tradition with contemporary influences.

High Resolution 24-bit / 96 kHz