Das Kleine Konzert

Das Kleine Konzert is an international constituted Baroque orchestra, which is closely associated in its work with the Rheinische Kantorei. Hermann Max's elaborate representation of the Affekte including operatic dramatic effects requires a close cooperation with the instrumentalists. Since 1980 the Rheinische Kantorei has had its own baroque orchestra, Das Kleine Konzert. The name is modelled on that of ‘Das Große Konzert’ orchestra, which was foundedc in Leipzig in 1746 and was for a long time directed by Johann Adam Hiller before becoming, towards the end of the 18th century, the Gewandhaus Orchestra.

Since its foundation Das Kleine Konzert has often had opportunity to prove its merit in performing the most demanding parts in both well-known, as well as hitherto unknown oratorios and operas. The nomenclature seemed meaningful, since the Rheinische Kantorei and Das Kleine Konzert fequently perform works from the geographical area and the time of J.S. Bach.

It is therefore no surprise that the orchstra, led alternately by Ulla Bundies and Anne Röhrig has also made several ventures into the purely orchetral repertoire. The interplay between the orchestral musicians among themselves and with the choir is the prerequesite for the "rhetorical performance style of great illustrative strength" (Salzburger Nachrichten) which characterises Hermann Max' performances. In 2004 they appeared for the first time in Israel.