Details
St John Baptist Church
57 Risca Road
Newport
NP20 4HX
Wales
Programme
Johann Nepomuk Hummel – Mass in B flat major, Op.77
Joseph Haydn – Te Deum for the Empress Marie Therese
Max Bruch – Jubilate Amen, Op.3
Giacomo Puccini – Requiem
Performers
Anne Price-Jones – soprano
Alan Moore – Conductor
Cwmbran Baroque Singers
Orchestra de Cymru
Programme Note
Our Spring concert 2019 celebrates the works of four composers showing evidence of the variety and genius of musicians over the centuries. Although the composers themselves are well known often their choral works are not and this concert gives the opportunity to hear some of these works.
The Mass in B flat by Johann Nepomuk Hummel was written without soloists which allows the orchestra and choir to come together effortlessly. His work was influenced by Haydn who wrote the ‘Te Deum’, in the latter part of his life, in the 'bright' key of C major. It makes use of trumpets and drums, two features much associated with festive occasions.
Two smaller works by Bruch and Puccini are less well known and rarely performed. Puccini's ‘Requiem’ Is a short work written in 1905 to mark the fourth anniversary of Verdi's death. The accompaniment for organ and viola is unusual but unforgettable. Bruch's ‘Jubilate Amen’ is an example of his choral work which has been overlooked for many years. It does however illustrate his skill and mastery of composition, linking soprano soloist, choir and orchestra in a spellbinding musical experience.
Alan Moore is the Musical Director of the Cwmbran Baroque Singers.