"Mein Heiland" from Bach-Boysen Markus Passion (Live and unedited)

This is the aria for 2 solo viola da gambas (The instrument shown in the picture) and counter-tenor from the 9th number in the completion of the Markus-Passion (JS Bach) by Jorn Boysen. The combination of the gambas with bass produces an unusual texture of sound where most of the sounds are concentrated in the lower end of the sound spectrum. The solo singer is a counter-tenor (a male alto), which was quite common in the Baroque era. The practice of a male alto died out in the intervening centuries, but began to be popular in the Early Music movement which aimed to recreate the conditions of the original compositions. Even still, the initial shock of a high singing male adult can often be too much for the audience!

The performers are Musica Poetica (Hive account@musicapoetica) and Cantus Thuringia under the direction of Jorn Boysen. The concert was recorded live and unedited in Den Haag in 2016, on period instruments at 415Hz.

Music from JS Bach, BWV 198

Mein Heiland, dich vergess ich nicht,
Ich habe dich in mich verschlossen,
Und deinen Leib und Blut genossen,
Und meinen Trost auf dich gericht'.

English translation

My Savior, I do not forget you,
I have harbored you within me,
And enjoyed your body and blood,
And have established my trust in you.