Tuesday, 15 June 2010

Membra Jesu Nostri


Buxtehude's stunning work Membra Jesu Nostri features on one of our recent CD releases on CORO. This cantata cycle is a unique work. Based on texts from a medieval Latin hymn, ‘Salve mundi salutare’, the cycle contains seven cantatas each dedicated to a different part of Christ’s crucified body. The texts are based on the concept of an observer contemplating Christ’s body on the cross starting with his feet and moving up to his knees, hands, side, breast, heart and finally his head. Buxtehude plays cleverly with musical colours and textures and changes the mixture of voices and instruments to dramatic effect as the work develops.

Soloists Carolyn Sampson, Libby Crabtree, Robin Blaze, James Gilchrist and Simon Birchall are directed by Harry Christophers.

This CD and all our other releases are available from our online shop.

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