The Bach Choir – Au Printemps – Duruflé Requiem – 7:30pm
Programme
Repertoire:
Duruflé - Requiem
Fauré - Cantique de Jean Racine
Duruflé - Quatre motets
N Boulanger - Cantique
Duruflé - Choral variations on 'Veni Creator'
Langlais - Messe solennelle
Director:
David Hill
Conductor:
David Hill
Performers:
Organ - Philip Scriven
Mezzo-soprano - Katherine Gregory
Au Printemps brings audiences closer than ever to The Bach Choir in the gorgeous setting of Holy Trinity Sloane Square. The second concert in the Into Spring series curates a tranquil and lush programme of French works, while the choir and organ orchestration showcases the range and intimacy of a choir usually known for performing with the world’s best orchestras.
The ancient world of Gregorian melodies is combined with a harmonic setting typical of 20th Century France in Duruflé’s Requiem. The Requiem blends different styles to achieve an overall sense of peace not usually found in other Requiem settings Duruflé’s Quatre motets further build on this modernisation of ancient traditions.
Cantique de Jean Racine was composed by Fauré at the age of twenty when he was attending Paris’ École Niedermeyer. It sets text from French playwright Jean Racine alongside rich, lush choral writing, and will be recognised by some audiences from its appearance in the motion picture Babe. On the other side of La Seine, Faure’s harmony student N Boulanger composed her own Cantique a little over 40 years later – a concise, evocative and disarmingly simple work.
Internationally renowned organist Philip Scriven, described as ‘a joy to listen to’ by Gramophone, is given a spotlight in Duruflé’s Choral varié sur le thème du ‘Veni Creator’. Langlais’ Messe solennelle also features – a piece so considered that the organist thought about it for 12 years before composing it in 13 days.
As the fog of winter clears, Au Printemps brings The Bach Choir’s subtle and delicate side into focus.
Upcoming Events
Mozart’s Da Ponte Operas: Reinventing the Operatic Voice 11:00 – 13:00
The astounding partnership between Mozart and Da Ponte produced Le Nozze di Figaro, Don Giovanni and Cosi Fan Tutte, featuring many of opera's most complex and memorable roles. Experience the music and meet the characters in this enthralling recital series.
21 Oct The Art of Becoming
Mezzo- soprano, Nancy Holt, unpacks how Mozart uses this voice type to capture growing up, falling apart, and coming back together — often all in one aria! Meet Cherubino who can't control his hormones; Dorabella who can't control her heart; and Marcellina who reinvents herself entirely. With live piano accompaniment by Lucy Colquhoun.
Mozart’s Da Ponte Operas: Reinventing the Operatic Voice 11:00 – 13:00
The astounding partnership between Mozart and Da Ponte produced Le Nozze di Figaro, Don Giovanni and Cosi Fan Tutte, featuring many of opera's most complex and memorable roles. Experience the music and meet the characters in this enthralling recital series.
28 Oct Sincerity on Trial
Dropped into comic operas with seria voices, Mozart's tenors don't get the straightforward luxury of being either comic or serious — Don Ottavio and Ferrando can be both noble and laughed at in the same breath. This recital explores the gorgeous, soaring music sung by men the drama refuses to let you trust. What happens when Mozart puts his heartfelt heroes on trial? With tenor, Robert Forrest, and pianist, Lucy Colquhoun.
A Taste of Heaven – 6pm
The Holy Trinity Consort presents a French-Swiss celebration - written in secret and hidden in a drawer for forty years, Frank Martin's Mass for Double Choir is now treasured as one of the twentieth century's great choral discoveries. After the interval, Fauré's sublime Requiem: music of consolation, from the radiant Pie Jesu to the whispered farewell of In Paradisum. We are delighted to welcome Läderach as our partner for the evening, and premium-ticket holders will enjoy an exclusive tasting of their exquisite Swiss chocolate. Candlelight, chocolate and glorious music - an evening to savour at Holy Trinity.