Ruth Ziesak, soprano ; Anna Larsson, contralto ; Christoph Genz, tenor ; Dietrich Henschel, bass ; GewandhausKammerchor ; Gewandhausorchester Leipzig ; Herbert Blomstedt, conductor. Recorded in performance May 8, 2005, St. Thomas Church, Leipzig, during the 2005 Bachfest Leipzig. Special features include: Bach and his B minor Mass, an introduction by Herbert Blomstedt (21 min.)

The special aspect of the opera Alceste is its designation as the "first opera in the German language." The ancient drama about Alceste was written in the form of a play for theater by the Enlightenment playwright Christoph Marlin Wieland and set to music by the acclaimed late-18th-century composer Anton Schweitzer. This performance of the newly edited opera based on the historic play was begging to be captured on DVD. The demanding singing parts are delivered in brilliant manner by the four soloists, ably accompanied by Concerto Koln, one of the most renowned early music ensembles.

In the historic Weimar Herder Church Sir John Eliot Gardiner finds the perfect setting for his recording of the Bach Christmas Oratorio. Against the backdrop of the dramatic altar and Lucas Granach paintings, the Monteverdi Choir and the English Baroque Soloists perform Gardiner's new interpretation of this classic piece. For the renowned conductor, this Weimar concert is a special performance, marking the start of his Bach Cantata Pilgrimage. With this new interpretation of the Christmas Oratorio, Gardiner shows himself once again to be an incontestible specialist of Bach's music. Including two complementary documentaries: J.S. Bach: Jauchzet, frohlocket! An Introduction to the Christmas Oratorio presenting the best performers in their field, including John Eliot Gardiner, the Monteverdi Choir founded by him, the English Baroque Soloists, as well as other internationally-known vocal soloists.