CARL PHILIPP EMANUEL BACH (1714-1788): Die Israeliten in der Wüste, Wq 238.

Description: Dating from 1769, this oratorio is in two parts, the first graphically depicting the physical and spiritual torments of the Israelites and the second in which the characters contemplate and reflect on the scenes of the first part, the whole ending in joyous ensemble. Little of Bach's learned, contrapuntal mastery is present; this is communicative music of the Classical period with little operatic touches to increase the pleasure. German-English texts. Gudrun Sidonie Otto, Nele Gramß (sopranos), Hermann Oswald (tenor), Michael Schopper (bass), Salzburger Hofmusik; Wolfgang Brunner.