You Decide: Bach's Audition at Leipzig March 31, 2012

Would you hire Bach? After Telemann turned down the position of Cantor of Leipzig in 1722, the Leipzig Town Council held auditions to fill the post. Johann Christoph Graupner won the audition, but Bach received the appointment after Graupner's employer would not release him from his duties. Now you get to decide if their decision was right! This program explores the audition works heard by the people and Leipzig Town Council: stunning cantatas by J.S. Bach, Georg Kauffmann and Johann Graupner. At the end, we'll tally your votes and see who you feel should have received this coveted position.

JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH—
audition date February 7, 1723
Jesus nahm zu sich die Zwölfe, BWV 22
Du wahrer Gott und Davids Sohn, BWV 23

JOHANN CHRISTOPH GRAUPNER—
audition date January 17, 1723
Lobet den Herrn alle Heiden (modern premiere)
Aus der Tiefen rufen wir
Magnificat

GEORG FRIEDRICH KAUFFMANN—
audition date November 29, 1722
Unverzagt, behlemmtes Herz (North American premiere)
Die Liebe Gottes (North American premiere)

Céline Ricci, soprano
Charles Humphries, alto
Craig Lemming, tenor
Phillip Collister, bass

Got Baroque? Please join us for a free informal conversation with conductor and artistic director Daniel Abraham and his guests as they explore the music, composers and social context of the works on the program. Don't miss the always lively question and answer segment! 7:15PM in the Concert Hall.

Official Website: http://www.bachsinfonia.org/concert3.shtml