In the middle of the 18th century, coffee was a sought-after luxury in Europe and, with a higher caffeine content than today, it was a real turn-on for consumers. As a result, it was viewed with suspicion by the rulers, who feared a coup by the revolted and subsequently introduced the coffee tax. Liesgen Schlendrian also loves nothing more than drinking her coffee every day ‒ a bad habit in the eyes of her conservative father. But Liesgen does not have a coup in mind, but rather permission to marry. But then it would have to be a man with whom she could share her passion!
Johann Sebastian Bach wrote his cantatas in Leipzig almost on a weekly basis, most of them for church services, but some for the Zimmermann coffee house, which he regularly visited. In his famous coffee cantata "Schweigt stille, plaudert nicht" (BWV 211), which is considered the highlight of Saxon coffee house music of the 18th century, the composer shows his passion for music. The composer shows his hearty and humorous side and creates an invigorating work of chamber music centred around a culinary passion using both popular and gallant elements.
Music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Text after Picander
With members of the solo ensemble and the orchestra of the Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz
Semi-concert performance
