Christoph Bernhard & Christian Herwich – Baroque Lieder | Klaus Mertens & Hamburger Ratsmusik | United Classics

Product Details

UPC: 8713545220742  
Label / Brand: United Classics  
Format: CD  
Genre: Baroque Vocal & Instrumental Music (Sacred and Secular Lieder, Instrumental Suites)  
Recording Year: Not specified (licensed 2013)  
Release / License: 2013, M.A.T. Music Theme Licensing Ltd / T2 International BV  
MNB: T2CD2012074  
Country of Manufacture: EU

Overview

Baroque Lieder presents a rare and richly expressive program of German baroque vocal and instrumental works by Christoph Bernhard (1628–1692), a pupil of Heinrich Schütz, and Christian Herwich (17th century).

Performed by the distinguished bass-baritone Klaus Mertens and the historically informed ensemble Hamburger Ratsmusik, under the leadership of Simone Eckert, the recording offers listeners a unique journey into sacred devotion and lyrical expression of the early baroque.

With its blend of spiritual lieder, intimate instrumental sonatas, and dances, this album highlights the fusion of text and music that characterizes the German baroque tradition—bridging the heritage of Schütz with the emerging world of J.S. Bach.

Product Features

• Soloist: Klaus Mertens (bass-baritone)
• Ensemble: Hamburger Ratsmusik
• Director: Simone Eckert
• Works by Christoph Bernhard (sacred and secular lieder, suites) and Christian Herwich (instrumental sonatas, dances, arias)
• Historically informed performance practice with period instruments
• EU pressing under United Classics

Interesting Facts

• Christoph Bernhard studied with Heinrich Schütz, one of the most important composers of the early German baroque. His works reveal a deep spiritual character, often described as bridging Renaissance polyphony with the new expressive baroque style.
• Christian Herwich, a contemporary of Bernhard, is far less known today, but his music—featured here in rare instrumental sonatas and dance movements—provides insight into the broader German baroque tradition.
• Klaus Mertens is internationally recognized as one of the foremost interpreters of Bach and baroque vocal music. His clarity of diction and depth of expression bring Bernhard’s lieder to life.
• Hamburger Ratsmusik, founded in 1991, is one of Germany’s leading early music ensembles, specializing in rediscovering neglected baroque repertoire.

Track Listing

Christoph Bernhard

1. Da du wolltest von mir ziehn
2. Gleich wie ein junger Hirsch
3. Die sterbenden Lilien
4. Die Lieb ist wie der Tod 6–8. Suite d-Moll (Allemande, Courante, Sarabande with Variations)
5. Süsser Christ
6. Rex Jesu admirabilis
7. Leb ich oder leb ich nicht
8. Gute Nacht! Du eitles Leben
9. Ich bin gewiss
10. Herr, der du die Sternenbogen
11. Ach, wie entgeistert sich mein Geist
12. Gott ist mein Schild
13. Mein Jesus! Meine Lust!
14. Allein mich dir
15. Der Tag ist hin

Christian Herwich

1. Sonata La Chilana
2. Ruggiero 14–16. Prelude, Allemande, Courante 18–19. Allemande & Courante
3. Derde
4. Aria in G

Publishers & Licensing

• Licensed by M.A.T. Music Theme Licensing Ltd / T2 International BV
• Distributed by United Classics
• Manufactured and printed in the EU

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