JOHANN GEORG KÜNSTEL (c.1645-1695): St. Mark Passion.

Description: The only Mark Passion extant besides one by Keiser and five by Telemann, this one’s substantial dimensions of nearly two and a half hours (!) are outstanding for its period - the complete performance was divided between several church services between Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. There are 99 numbers: the recits are all string-accompanied and there are 18 arias, duets and trios with vivid turba choruses adding drama to a through-composed work of no little sophistication. 2 CDs. German texts. Polyharmonique, L’arpa festante.