The Spirit of the Lord is upon me

Instrumentation

SATB Choir and Baroque orchestra [original instruments]

Other Information

An anthem written for the ordination of Joachim Diessner at Evangelische Versöhnungskirche, Ehrenfeld, Köln on July 3rd 2016. It is a setting of words taken from the book of Isaiah, chapter 61, verses 1-3 for mixed voice choir and an authentic instrument orchestra from the Baroque period. Although originally written for 3 oboes, Bassoon and single strings [Vln 1, Vln 2, Vla, Vlc & DB], it is also available for modern orchestra with Fl, Ob, Cl and Bn in the woodwind]. It is hoped that a German version of the anthem will become available in due course along with an organ accompaniment.

The performers at the première were:

Choir: Christine Albert, Vera Bongert, Ute Eisenhut, Suzanne Harkämper, Susanne Heydasch-Lehmann, Anja Meksem, Katrin Witzel, Petra Witzel [Soprano]; Birgit Bernhard, Cornelia Fricke, Carola Günther, Anke Schaumburg, Barbara Siefker [Alto]; Jürgen Buschmann, Michael Diessner-Mayer, Tilman Kögel, Matthias Velten, [Tenor]; Thomas Griebel, Michael Kolvenbach, Thomas Lehmann, Till Mattes [Bass].

Orchestra: Katharina Wimmer, Janna Carl [Violins], Bettina Ecken [Viola], Martin Burkhardt [Violoncello], Thomas Heyn [Double bass], Ulrike Neukamm, Kirstin Linde, Peter Frankenberg [Oboes], Rhoda Patrick [Bassoon].

The text in English and Lutheran German version:

Taken from: Isaiah 61:1-3

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound, to comfort all who mourn, that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.

Taken from: Jesaja 61:1-3

Der Geist des Herrn ist über mir darum daß mich der Herr gesalbt hat. Er hat mich gesandt, den Elenden, zu predigen die zerbrochenen Herzen zu verbinden, zu verkündigen den Gefangenen die Freiheit, den Gebundenen, daß ihnen geöffnet werde, zu trösten alle Traurigen, daß sie genannt werden die Bäume der Gerechtigkeit, Pflanzen des Herrn zum Preise.

Photos:

[L] David Fisher with Joachim Diessner

[Below L] Image from the video

[Below R] Part of the orchestra and choir