Johann Daniel Pucklitz: Opera Omnia Vol. 1 – Goldberg Baroque Ensemble

It was a sensation, crowned by an OPUS KLASSIK award: the rediscovery of Johann Daniel Pucklitz’s Oratorio secondo. The breathtaking music of the Gdansk composer inspired Andrzej Szadejko and his Goldberg Baroque & Vocal Ensemble to embark on a complete edition of his works. The first instalment features two Lutheran masses and a number of cantatas that are set to rewrite the musical history of the Baltic region.

Pucklitz’s extraordinary musical imagination and unorthodox approach shine through characteristically baroque, sentimental, galant and rococo styles. Important words from the liturgy are illustrated, such as the sowing of seed in the cantata Herr, hast du nicht guten Samen auf deinen Acker gesat? (Lord, did you not sow good seed in your field?) depicted by an incessant motif of semiquavers in triplet movement.

The magnificent opening chorus of the cantata Du hast den guten Wein bisher behalten (You have kept the good wine until now) uses the famous words from the wedding in Cana where Jesus changes water into wine. The joy of the party guests is palpable in the full ensemble performance resounding in the glorious acoustics of St John’s Church in Gdansk.

Pucklitz’s compositions are characterized by an original musical language through a distinct, expressive narrative and unconventional tone colour. Surprising melodic, harmonic, rhythmic and dynamic progressions are enriched by the unique sounds of rare instruments, such as the violetta, oboe d’amore, corno da caccia, bombard and glass harp.