Heinrich Schütz: Auferstehungshistoria, or Resurrection Story

In this early work by the great Heinrich Schütz, the story of Jesus' resurrection is told in vivid colours and with the unique device of a quartet of viols accompanying the Evangelist. It is rarely performed, which is surprising given the frequency of performances of the Passion as told by Bach.

But while the Passion story is full of drama and violence, the resurrection has an altogether different and otherworldly atmosphere, where angels appear in robes white as the snow and with a face like lightning. Disbelief is everywhere, and even at the conclusion of the story it's not clear if the disciples actually believe that Jesus has risen from the dead. Schütz, however, makes clear his belief in an astonishing final chorus, where the Evangelist sings a single word: VICTORIA!

Performers:
Charles Daniels Evangelist
Martha McLorinan mezzo-soprano
Eleanor Minney mezzo-soprano
Elisabeth Paul alto
Simon Wall tenor
Jimmy Holliday bass
Fretwork
Richard Boothby director