Britain's What's On Event Guide
Reading Haydn Choir Spring Concert - Monteverdi, Handel and Hummel
Reading Haydn Choir's spring concert features choral works by three composers spanning the 17th to 19th centuries.
The earliest of these is ‘Beatus Vir’ by Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) composed around 1630, some thirty years after the famous Vespers. This lively setting is captivating and engages the listener from its first bars. The motet, a setting of Psalm 112, is a superb example of Monteverdi’s dramatic style. It contrasts pairs or small groups of voices with the weight of the full chorus, a technique known as stile concertato - one of the most characteristic features of baroque music.
George Frederic Handel (1685-1759) became a naturalised British subject in 1727. His Utrecht Te Deum written to celebrate the Peace of Utrecht in 1713 was first performed at London's St.Paul’s Cathedral in July that year. It was his first major sacred work set to English texts and enthralled London audiences right from its first performance. It continues to do so today in concert halls and churches all over the world.
Johann Nepomuk Hummel (1778-1837) was an Austrian composer and pianist (born in Bratislava). His music represents the transition from the classical to the romantic musical era. He was a pupil of Mozart, Salieri and Haydn. The Mass in B flat was Hummel’s first commission for the House of Esterhazy (they commissioned some of the most important masses of the period including works by Haydn and Beethoven). Although at the time not accorded the praise it deserved, it has since gained a reputation as one of the most exciting and innovative choral compositions of the period.
We'll be accompanied by a professional chamber orchestra.
The earliest of these is ‘Beatus Vir’ by Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) composed around 1630, some thirty years after the famous Vespers. This lively setting is captivating and engages the listener from its first bars. The motet, a setting of Psalm 112, is a superb example of Monteverdi’s dramatic style. It contrasts pairs or small groups of voices with the weight of the full chorus, a technique known as stile concertato - one of the most characteristic features of baroque music.
George Frederic Handel (1685-1759) became a naturalised British subject in 1727. His Utrecht Te Deum written to celebrate the Peace of Utrecht in 1713 was first performed at London's St.Paul’s Cathedral in July that year. It was his first major sacred work set to English texts and enthralled London audiences right from its first performance. It continues to do so today in concert halls and churches all over the world.
Johann Nepomuk Hummel (1778-1837) was an Austrian composer and pianist (born in Bratislava). His music represents the transition from the classical to the romantic musical era. He was a pupil of Mozart, Salieri and Haydn. The Mass in B flat was Hummel’s first commission for the House of Esterhazy (they commissioned some of the most important masses of the period including works by Haydn and Beethoven). Although at the time not accorded the praise it deserved, it has since gained a reputation as one of the most exciting and innovative choral compositions of the period.
We'll be accompanied by a professional chamber orchestra.
Saturday 14 March
St. Joseph’s College, Upper Redlands Road, Reading, Berkshire RG1 5JT
7.30 pmTickets in advance from rdghaydnchoir+tickets@gmail.com
Or on the door
Adults: £17*
Under 19s: £5
*£1 off for advance sales
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