The American Symphony Orchestra’s revelatory performance of Cornelius and Cherubini masterworks at St. Bartholomew’s Church proved that forgotten musical treasures, when presented with passion and precision, can speak as powerfully to modern audiences as any canonical work—a testament to ASO’s vital mission of musical discovery.
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, the second son of Johann Sebastian Bach, carved his unique identity in the musical world. Unlike his father’s baroque complexities, C. P. E. Bach’s compositions incorporated bold harmonic language, rhythmic intensity, and poetic drama. Tonight’s program showcased two of his masterpieces: Heilig, H.775, and the U.S. premiere of Die Auferstehung und Himmelfahrt Jesu, H.777. These works reflect a daring blend of tradition and innovation, qualities that inspired even Mozart to conduct three performances of Heilig in 1788.
