Georg Philipp Telemann - Frankfurter Festmusiken 1716 (Michael Alexander Willens)

Information

Composer: Georg Philipp Telemann

• Auf Christenheit! begeh ein Freudenfest TVWV 12:1a/b
• Deutschland grünt und blüht im Friede TVWV 12:1c

Kölner Akademie

Michael Alexander Willens, conductor

Date: 2025

Label: CPO

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The birth of a long-awaited Habsburg heir on 13 April 1716 was widely celebrated across Europe, symbolizing political stability after the War of the Spanish Succession. In Frankfurt am Main, the event was marked on 17 May with an elaborate public celebration, featuring extensive festivities, bell ringing, and cannon fire. Georg Philipp Telemann, the city’s music director, contributed two major ceremonial works performed in the Barfüßerkirche and on the Römerberg. These compositions formed the musical centerpiece of the celebrations. Their first recording highlights Telemann’s central role in the festivities and adds two significant works to the documented repertoire of his ceremonial music.

Michael Alexander Willens (b. 1952) is an American conductor and music director of Die Kölner Akademie. A graduate of the Juilliard School, where he studied with John Nelson, he also trained with Leonard Bernstein at Tanglewood and with Paul Vorwerk in choral conducting. His musical background spans baroque to contemporary, jazz, and pop styles. Willens has led performances across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East, earning widespread acclaim. Passionate about rediscovering forgotten repertoire and championing contemporary American composers, he has conducted numerous world premières and released over 40 acclaimed recordings, many recognized with awards and international praise.