Two years younger than JS Bach, Johann Balthasar Christian Freislich was musically absolutely on the cutting edge. Far away from the traditional music centres of Europe, he created works that reconciled the highly topical gallant to sensitive style with the opulent taste of the probably rather conservative Gdansk bourgeoisie. Freislich was employed as Kapellmeister at St. Mary's Church, but also composed on secular occasions, such as the 300th anniversary of the liberation of Gdansk and all of Prussia from the rule of the Teutonic Order in 1754. Of course, kettledrums and trumpets were an essential part of such a festival. Festive choirs and highly virtuoso arias in "Auf Danzig, auf" once again testify to the outstanding musical level of the Baltic metropolis. Andrzej Szadejko and his Goldberg Baroque Ensemble present three of Freislich's secular cantatas; another jewel in the attractive MDG series of the rich Baltic musical heritage.
