AA4 - Two solocantatas by Bach & Handel with soprano Johannette Zomer

Festive music inspired by nature and love

Bach's famous Wedding-cantata and Handel's solo-motet “Silete Venti”

Solo soprano, oboe/recorder, bassoon, strings, basso continuo (9-15 performers)
With: Johannette Zomer, soprano

The exuberant and rich music on the program establishes the connection between nature and the human soul. In his motet “Silete Venti”, Handel compares storms with disruptive forces in life. But the soprano is unwavering and forces the wind to die down in order to give her soul rest and contemplation. In the strings, the rippling waves of a soothing brook can be heard.

In his wedding cantata “Weichet nur, betrübte Schatten”, Bach lets the morning mists disappear and encourages the bridal couple to enjoy their marriage. Where the strings represent the mists, the sad oboe expresses the melancholy. In another aria, this instrument represents a mischievous satyr and in the forest, people dance a Gavotte. The bridal couple is surrounded by blossom, represented by lovely violin melodies.

Both works that let the soprano shine are alternated by a festive double concerto for recorder and obbligato bassoon by Telemann. With this unique combination, the composer presents all his fantasy, lyricism and humor, which the performers bring to the fore.

See for more information about the solist, the website of Johannette Zomer.

Details: This programme can be performed with or without interval, with single strings or small baroque orchestra

Duration: approx. 75’ without interval
Pricing: please, contact us to discuss the possibilities

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