Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Choral

 

Frankfurter Kantorei is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with its exceptional performances for over six decades. The ensemble was founded in 1956 by Kurt Thomas, a German conductor, composer, and choir director. Thomas was a prominent figure in the German choral music scene and had previously served as the director of the St. Thomas Boys Choir in Leipzig. Under Thomas's leadership, Frankfurter Kantorei quickly established itself as one of the leading choral ensembles in Germany. The ensemble's repertoire focused primarily on sacred music, with a particular emphasis on the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. Thomas was a passionate advocate for Bach's music and believed that it was essential for choral ensembles to perform his works with authenticity and precision. Over the years, Frankfurter Kantorei has had many talented members, including some of the most accomplished choral singers in Germany. The ensemble has also collaborated with numerous renowned soloists and orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic and the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra. One of the highlights of Frankfurter Kantorei's history was its performance of Bach's St. Matthew Passion in 1960. The performance was widely acclaimed and helped to establish the ensemble's reputation as a leading interpreter of Bach's music. In the years that followed, Frankfurter Kantorei continued to perform Bach's works with great success, including the Mass in B Minor, the Christmas Oratorio, and the St. John Passion. In addition to its performances of Bach's music, Frankfurter Kantorei has also explored a wide range of other composers and styles. The ensemble has performed works by Handel, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, and many others. Frankfurter Kantorei has also commissioned new works from contemporary composers, including Wolfgang Rihm and Hans Zender. Throughout its history, Frankfurter Kantorei has received numerous awards and accolades for its exceptional performances. In 1972, the ensemble was awarded the German Record Critics' Prize for its recording of Bach's St. Matthew Passion. In 1996, Frankfurter Kantorei was awarded the Echo Klassik Award for its recording of Bach's Mass in B Minor. The ensemble has also been recognized for its contributions to the cultural life of Frankfurt and Germany as a whole. Today, Frankfurter Kantorei continues to be a leading choral ensemble in Germany and around the world. The ensemble is currently led by conductor and composer Joachim Carlos Martini, who has been the director since 1995. Under Martini's leadership, Frankfurter Kantorei has continued to explore new repertoire and push the boundaries of choral music. The ensemble's commitment to excellence and authenticity has made it a beloved institution in the world of classical music.

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