GEORG PHILIPP TELEMANN
Die Donnerode, TWV 6:3
I. Wie ist dein Name so groß
II. Bringt her, ihr Helden
III. Fallt vor ihm hin
IV. Die Stimme Gottes erschüttert die Meere
V. Die Stimme Gottes zerschmettert die Zedern
VI. Sie stürzt die stolzen Gebirge zusammen
VII. Es donnert, dass er verherrlicht werde and Chor da capo: Wie ist dein Name so groß

JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH
Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major, BWV 1068
I. Ouverture
II. Air
III. Gavotte I – Gavotte II
IV. Bourrée
V. Gigue

–  Intermission 15 minutes –

JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH
Easter Oratorio, BWV 249
I. Sinfonia
II. Adagio
III. Kommt, eilet und laufet; Duetto: Komm, gehet und eilet
IV. O kalter Männer Sinn!
V. Seele, deine Spezereien
VI. Hier ist die Gruft
VII. Sanfte soll mein Todeskummer
VIII. Indessen seufzen wir
IX. Saget, saget mir geschwinde
X. Wir sind erfreut
XI. Preis und Dank

It would be difficult to find works by Telemann and Bach which better represent the optimism and rejoicing of the Eastertide messages of hope and renewal which follow great loss. Telemann’s Donnerode (Thunder cantata), written in response to the great Lisbon earthquake of 1755, reflects the optimism of rebuilding and renewal while dramatically illustrating the immense power of God. Bach’s Easter Oratorio begins with celebration of the discovery of the empty tomb and what that signifies for the world in terms of renewal and rebirth. Rounding out the programme is Bach’s ever-popular Orchestral Suite No. 3, performed with a resplendent band of period instruments including baroque trumpets, oboes and timpani.

Joining the voice majors and alumni again in this performance is Red Dot Baroque, led by Artistic Director Alan Choo from the violin. Students from the Orchestral Institute perform side-by-side with members of Red Dot Baroque in a unique mentoring programme on baroque performance practice, as part of RDB’s Ensemble-in-Residence offerings at YST.