When it rains, it pours: barely have we gotten to shake the hands of neglected seventeenth century Baroque composer Philipp Heinrich Erlebach through
Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin's outstanding collection Ouvertüren für die Hamburger Oper when we are introduced to an all-Erlebach collection, Philipp Heinrich Erlebach: Zeichen im Himmel. Appearing on Alpha Productions, Zeichen im Himmel features baritone
Victor Torres with the period instrument ensemble
Stylus Phantasticus in seven lieder of Erlebach, in addition to three chamber sonatas (really, suites) to break up the action.
The element of Erlebach that made his overture on the Hamburg opera disc so exciting was his surprising sense of syncopation and "jamminess." That is likewise to be found here, particularly in the lied Schwaches Herz, which even has a "hook" reminiscent of what one might encounter in pop music. For purposes of usefully describing what this music sounds like, one wants to strike a comparison between Erlebach and other music of his time. While there is a vague resemblance to the somewhat later, and French, music of
Jean-Philippe Rameau, no obvious similarity to Erlebach seems fitting; his entry into our understanding of the Baroque yields a "new" wrinkle. All of this music is resplendent in rhythmic brio, and Erlebach has an appreciation for the effectiveness of the descending harmonic line, later to become a favorite device of
Johann Sebastian Bach and, through him, in pop music as well. As in the United States "experts" are constantly reminding us that the Americas are sort of the eminent domain of tied-over-the-bar syncopation, that an obscure German composer achieved the same end five centuries ago makes for a rather sobering realization.
Victor Torres is a fine singer and has the sense to deliver the vocal lines and text without resorting to a voice that is obviously "formally trained."
Stylus Phantasticus does a great job of realizing the continuo parts and filling out the music in a loose and flexible manner. If one seeks Baroque music that you can bob your head to, then Alpha Productions' Philipp Heinrich Erlebach: Zeichen im Himmel is the place to go.