Apocalypse, end of the world, revelation: over the centuries, these have been sources of countless visions of the future. In Telemann’s oratorio Der Tag des Gerichts (‘The Day of Judgement’) we learn how the composer imagines this final trial and what might come next after the day of reckoning. With the aid of allegorical figures, the Apocalypse is vividly conjured into life, with trumpets and trombones punchily underlining the looming verdict of the Last Judgment. This many-layered late work is being played for the first time at the Melk Abbey International Baroque Festival and is its opening performance. The baroque specialist Ivor Bolton, a frequent guest at the world’s great opera houses and major festivals, makes his debut as guest conductor of Concentus Musicus Wien. He is joined by a hand-picked vocal quartet as well the Vienna Boys’ Choir and the Chorus sine nomine in a musical hearing into collapse, hope and salvation on this opening evening.

Georg Philipp Telemann:
Der Tag des Gerichts, TWV 6:8
and selected arias

Concentus Musicus Wien

Vienna Boys’ Choir
conducted by Gerald Wirth

Chorus sine nomine
directed by Johannes Hiemetsberger

Ivor Bolton conductor

Marie-Sophie Pollak soprano

Marie-Claude Chappuis alto

Michael Schade tenor

Matthias Winckhler bass