Published On Oct 14, 2013
Orchestra: Tafelmusik Choir: Kammerchor Stuttgart
Soloists: Nancy Argenta (S), Michael Chance (A), Christoph Prégardien (T), Gordon Jones (B). (From KS: Andrea Egeler (S), Martin van der Zeyst (A), Markus Brutscher (T), Michael Volle (B))
Conductor: Frieder Bernius.
1. Kyrie eleison 0:00; 2. Pater de coelis (Aria, S) 4:48; 3. Mater divinae gratiae 9:48; 4. Virgo prudentissima I 12:58; 5. Virgo prudentissima II (Aria, SATB solisti) 13:14; 6. Salus infirmorum 15:16; 7. Regina Angelorum 19:07; 8. Agnus Dei I 22:21; 18. Agnus Dei II (come like Kyrie) 22:55.
A Marian litany written as a dedication to the Electress Maria Josepha when she recovered from a serious illness in 1744. The sub-title 'Salus Infirmorum' best translates as 'Welfare of the Sick'. Suitably, the piece begins and ends with a sublime and uplifting Kyrie and Agnus Dei and is filled in between with joyous arias and coros proclaiming the titles and attributes of Mary, Queen of Heaven. It is the second of a pair of Marian litanies written within 4 years, the first was from 1741 and was re-written and re-dedicated to Maria Josepha when she fell ill in 1743 (that litany had originally been written in honour of his previous patron from Prague). 'Salus Infirmorum' also happens to be the last work ever written (and performed in the Dresden Hofkirche) by the Czech master, who died the next year. It is his last bow to the world.
Background painting: Bartolomé Esteban Murillo - ''Mary and Child with Angels Playing Music" - 1675.