GEORG PHILIPP TELEMANN (1681-1767): Das selige Erwägen des bittern Leidens und Sterbens Jesu Christi, TWV 5:2.

Description: Possibly written in 1722, this 112-minute Passion oratorio was designed with opera-singers in mind and the orchestra includes flutes, chalumeaux, horns and bassoons, meaning that Telemann gives us the expected, rich orchestral support we lust for, including many fine wind solos. The arias are short (50 total tracks) and there are no choruses, the chorus having eleven chorales to sing. 2 CDs. No texts. Barbara Locher (soprano), Zeger Vandersteene, Stefan Dörr (tenors), Berthold Possemeyer, Johan-René Schmidt (baritones), Freiburg Vocal Ensemble, L'Arpa Festante; Wolfgang Schäfer. Original 2003 release.