Brockes‐Passie by Reinhard Keiser Apollo Ensemble
About the Event
Immerse yourself in the stunning architecture of Amsterdam's breathtaking De Waalse Kerk for the ultimate concert set to awake your understanding of chamber music.
Barthold Heinrich Brockes, poet from Hamburg, wrote a masterful libretto about the suffering and death of Christ in 1712. Many composers used it as the basis for their passion concerts. The Apollo Ensemble, along with about eight vocalists, will tour the Netherlands beginning Friday, March 17, 2023, with the Brockes Passion by the relatively unknown German composer and opera producer Reinhard Keiser (1674‐1739). Recent years have included the Brockes Passions by Handel and Telemann and the Johannes Passion by Bach (heavily influenced by Brockes). Performances of the Brockes Passions by the Apollo Ensemble have been televised in over thirty countries in Europe, North America and Asia in recent years.
Hamburg resident Reinhard Keiser was the very first to provide music for the libretto by his fellow townsman Brockes. He brought it to the stage in collaboration with the German poet himself. Indeed, the first performances took place at Brockes' home. The text with all its dramatic and expressive passages was grist to the mill of the composer who had a penchant for musical theater. He knew exactly how to captivate and hold the audience.
Cast / Production
Apollo Ensemble conducted by David Rabinovich
Renate Arends and Elvire Beekhuizen, soprano
Eske Tibben and Lisa de Feyter, alto
Camilo Delgado Diaz and Pablo Gregorian, tenor
Michiel Meijer and Robbert Muuse, bass
