Membra Jesu Nostri

Description

The exciting and highly acclaimed early music ensemble Opella Musica, under the direction of Gregor Meyer, takes on a 17th-century masterpiece of Lenten devotion this time. Dieterich Buxtehude's Passion cycle "Membra Jesu Nostri" is music for meditation. The contemplation of the body of Jesus of Nazareth suspended on the cross unfolds within the strict uniformity of a formal framework that is largely the same seven times - instrumental sonata, an ensemble called "Concerto," multi-strophic aria, and repetition of the concerto. The strongest meditative effect, however, comes from Buxtehude's tonal language. The composer avoids large leaps and writes an intimately moving melody that seems to envelop the listener in a gesture of consolation. Furthermore, the harmony is simple, yet surprisingly dissonant due to the many nuances.