I’m delighted to be back with Sydney Philharmonia Choirs again this March, singing the Bass Solos in works by Vivaldi, Bach, and Handel.
The most joyful words in sacred music are ‘Gloria in excelsis Deo’ (Glory to God on high!). And Vivaldi’s Gloria in D matches that joy with unparalleled brilliance and splendour. Voices singing like angels are poised above instruments playing like rock stars, and even when the mood turns sombre, the music is full of vitality.
A ‘Gloria’ is music of praise and prayer. The ‘Dixit Dominus’ psalm text heads into violent territory: enemies are trod underfoot, kings are shattered, skulls smashed. And the young Handel, busy absorbing the theatrical Italian style, plunges into the thick of things with cascades of notes and fierce voices. It’s astonishing music – an ambitious work for its creator and equally ambitious for any choir that takes it on.
Bach provides a delicious contrast to all the Italianate fire and extravagance with his poignant Cantata No.12. But don’t be fooled by the title: ‘Weeping, Wailing, Fretting, Fearing.’ Optimism ultimately wins out, and sorrow and suffering gives way to a radiant conclusion.
The virtuoso Chamber Singers and a period instrument orchestra are conducted by Brett Weymark in this glorious baroque program.
Saturday, 7 March – 1pm
Pier 2/3, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct
PROGRAM
Antonio VIVALDI Gloria in D, RV 589
Johann Sebastian BACH Cantata No.12 – Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen
George Frideric HANDEL Dixit Dominus
ARTISTS
Brett Weymark conductor
Lauren Lodge-Campbell soprano
Angela Brun soprano
Hannah Fraser mezzo-soprano
Richard Butler tenor
Andrew O’Connor bass-baritone