Period-instrument pioneer Andrew Parrott conducts his Taverner Consort and Players and a superb vocal roster of baroque specialists, in the first recording of his own reconstruction of J S Bach’s Trauer-Musik: Music to mourn Prince Leopold.

Andrew Parrott is a master of musicological detective work, known for his adventurous and uncompromising scholarship. He is also internationally known for his pioneering historically informed performances and recordings of pre-classical repertory. This new release combines the best of both, resulting in the first full reconstruction and recording of the funeral music for J S Bach’s patron, Prince Leopold of Cöthen.

Bach’s years in Cöthen were musically fertile and Prince Leopold was a knowledgeable and committed supporter of music and the arts, so it’s ironic that much of Bach’s output during those years has been lost or even destroyed. The score for Trauer-Musik, written in 1728 on the occasion of the Prince’s sudden death at the age of 34, has almost completely disappeared, yet through the discovery of numerous clues in other works and writings, Parrott has been able to recontruct what was clearly a heart-felt homage.

A unique document and superb performance make this a recording for classical music aficionados and lovers of Bach’s music alike.

Contents:
I. Burial Service - At the Arrival of the Coffin
- Laß, Leopold, Dich nicht begraben
- Wird auch gleich nach tausend Zähren
- Und, Herr, das ist die Specerey
- Geh, Leopold, zu Deiner Ruh

II. Memorial Service - Following the Arrival of the Principal Mourners
- Klagt, Kinder
- O Land! Bestürtztes Land!
- Weh und Ach
- Wie, wenn der Blitze Grausamkeit
- Zage nur, du treues Land
- Ach ja! Dein Scheiden geht uns nah
- Komm wieder, Theurer Fürsten-Geist

III. Following the Sermon
- Wie haben einen Gott, der da hilfft
- Betrübter Anblick, voll Erschrecken
- Erhalte mich Gott
- Jedoch der schwache Mensche zittert nur
- Mit Freuden sey die Welt verlassen
- Wohl also Dir, Du aller Fürsten Zier
- Wie haben einen Gott, der da hilfft

IV. Following the Curriculum Vitæ and the Prayers
- Bleibet nun in eurer Ruh
- Und Du betrübtes Fürsten-Hauß
- Hemme Dein gequältes Kräncken
- Nun scheiden wir, Hochseelger Leopold, von Dir
- Die Augen sehn nach Deiner Leiche