JOHANN CHRISTOPH ROTHE (1653-1700): St. Matthew Passion.

Description: The oldest surviving Passion from central Germany, this 1697 work's recording marks the beginning of a series "Musik Erbe Thüringen". Seventeen arias and one duet are punctuated by recitatives with settings ranging from simple strophic style to highly expressive, operatic solo songs; in addition to the two violins and continuo, a four-piece viol consort adds darkness and pathos to the accompaniment. 2 CDs. German-English texts. Hans Jörg Mammel (tenor), Wolf Matthias Friedrich (bass), Cantus Thuringia, Capella Thuringia; Bernhard Klapprott.