Anna Magdalena Bach—A Voice for Johann Sebastian

A special story of love and music begins at the court in Köthen: In 1721, Johann Sebastian Bach married the talented court singer Anna Magdalena Wilcke. This program, featuring soprano Miriam Feuersinger and the Capricornus Consort Basel, explores the influence her voice may have had on Bach’s music. The focus is on Bach’s wedding cantata Weichet nur, betrübte Schatten – a musical portrait of an extraordinary woman and singer.

no crown! – A Queen's Favorite Music

In 1654, Christina of Sweden abdicated the throne and began a new life devoted to the arts. In Rome, she became one of the most important patrons of music of her time. Margret Koell follows in the footsteps of this dazzling figure and transports us into Christina’s musical world with works by Froberger, Buxtehude, Cesti, Marazzoli, Rossi, and Pasquini. Performed on the triple harp, the result is a fascinating “opera without words”—virtuosic, unconventional, and intimately connected to an extraordinary queen.

Vicente Lusitano is considered the most important Portuguese composer of the Renaissance and is believed to be the first Black composer whose works were published. His magnificent motets follow in the tradition of Josquin and are a true musical discovery.

Arte Minima presents the second part of his collection Liber primus epigramatum featuring 16 five-part motets—all of which are world premiere recordings.

The 1953 Bayreuth Ring cycle conducted by Clemens Krauss is a legendary one-off: stepping in at short notice, he reshaped Wagner’s monumental work with lighter colours, taut pacing, and gripping momentum. The Bavarian Radio preserved this unique festival moment in full. Long sought after by collectors, this historic recording is now released in a newly remastered edition.