Dietrich Buxtehude: Membra Jesu Nostri

From our modern viewpoint, it seems odd that Dietrich Buxtehude would compose a work on the parts of Christ’s body. However, after becoming familiar with this "Membra Jesu Nostri" recording, the deep religious fervor of the music begins to take a hold of its listeners. Musica Lingua and Arpa Festante quite literally reach the very heart of this music in their resonant, clear, yet fragile performance. Completely taken in, listners hear the panorama of a lost world unfold from the harsh dissonances of the plaintive introductory prayer to the trust in God exuded by the closing Amen in which Stephan Schreckenberger and his ensembles illuminate the face of the Redeemer despite all the suffering of the world.