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Details
Sheldonian Theatre
Broad Street
Oxford
Oxfordshire
OX1 3AZ
England
Programme
Antonio Vivaldi – Gloria in D major, RV 589
Dietrich Buxtehude – Der Herr ist mit mir (cantata), BuxWV 15
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Ave verum corpus, K.618
George Frideric Handel – Dixit Dominus, HWV 232
Performers
Mark Jordan – Conductor
Oxford Pro Musica Singers
Instruments of Time and Truth
Other concerts in this Series (+)
Programme Note
We are delighted to invite you to an evening of exquisite Baroque music, featuring a selection of masterpieces by renowned composers of the era. Performed by the Oxford Pro Musica Singers and the Instruments of Time and Truth, under the expert baton of conductor Mark Jordan, this concert promises to transport you back to the golden age of the Baroque period.
The concert opens with Antonio Vivaldi's magnificent Gloria in D, RV 589. This beloved choral work is a testament to Vivaldi's genius as a composer, with its soaring melodies, rich harmonies, and energetic rhythms. The Gloria is a celebratory hymn of praise, and Vivaldi's composition captures its exultant spirit with dazzling vocal solos, lush choral writing, and vibrant orchestral accompaniment. From the joyous opening movement to the ethereal beauty of the slow movements and the exuberant finale, the Gloria is a true masterpiece that have captivated audiences with its timeless brilliance since its rediscovery in the 1930s.
Next, we turn to the works of Dietrich Buxtehude, a composer whose influence on the Baroque era cannot be overstated. The choir will perform Buxtehude's Der Herr ist mit mir, BuxWV 15, a sacred motet of profound beauty and contemplation. Through its expressive melodies and intricate counterpoint, Buxtehude's composition transports us to a realm of spiritual reflection and devotion. The interplay between the choir and the instrumental ensemble creates a tapestry of rich textures, allowing the music to resonate with a profound sense of reverence.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Ave verum corpus, K 618, follows, offering a moment of serene and transcendent beauty. This short motet, composed during Mozart's final year, showcases his mastery of vocal writing and his ability to create sublime melodies that touch the depths of the human soul. The ethereal harmonies and delicate orchestration of Ave verum corpus make it a cherished gem of the choral repertoire, evoking a sense of serenity and introspection that leaves a lasting impression.
The concert reaches its pinnacle with George Frideric Handel's majestic Dixit Dominus, HWV 232. Handel's brilliant setting of Psalm 110 is a tour de force of choral writing, showcasing the composer's mastery of dramatic expression and his ability to create powerful musical narratives. From the exultant opening chorus to the virtuosic solos and thrilling fugal sections, Dixit Dominus is a grand and compelling work that displays Handel's unparalleled command of vocal and orchestral forces.
We invite you to join us on this captivating journey through the music of Vivaldi, Buxtehude, Mozart, and Handel, as we explore the rich tapestry of emotions and expressions that define the Baroque period. The Oxford Pro Musica Singers, the Instruments of Time and Truth, and conductor Mark Jordan eagerly anticipate sharing this unforgettable evening of musical splendour with you at the historic Sheldonian Theatre.
For further details about the concert, including ticket information, please visit our website. https://opms.org.uk/ We look forward to welcoming you to this celebration of Baroque music in the heart of Oxford.
