HERRNHUTER WEIHNACHT

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For years, Peter Kopp and his Vocal Concert Dresden have been making a name for themselves through the discographic release of highly interesting and hitherto little-noticed compilations and programs. After works of the Dresden court music or Venetian treasures, it was most recently Masonic music of the 18th century. Now music of the Moravian Church, the Herrnhuter Brüdergemeine. Its historical significance and international appeal, which literally radiates from a tranquil village in Upper Lusatia into the entire world, will not only celebrate its 300th anniversary next year, but will also be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Through the brothers' emigration and mission to North America, they left behind a fascinating musical treasure there that is considered one of the cornerstones of North American musical history. In the 18th and early 19th centuries, one could encounter high-quality music from Europe in the settlements of the Brethren, there called "Moravians." The Moravians thus became a musical bridge between Europe and the New World. What is remarkable about this connection is that compositions written in faraway places were also brought back to Germany and again included in the repertoire here. This may have been an absolutely unique feature of the Herrnhuter in the 18th century. Notwithstanding its high repertoire value, this production presents festive Christmas music. It will appeal to the lover of baroque Christmas music as well as to the listener who wishes to broaden his or her musical spectrum.