After exploring the music of three great Masters of the Baroque and
Classical periods during 2015 with Masses of Masses by Bach, Mozart
and Haydn, the Northampton Bach Choir turn to two great Italian
composers for their short season Viva Italia! Although Verdi
was not a religious person, that did not prevent him from writing
religious music. He wrote the setting of the Libera me as
part of a Mass written in memory of his great contemporary Gioachino
Rossini who had died on 13th November 1868. Verdi who had been a
great admirer and friend, said Rossini’s reputation was the most
widespread and popular of our time; it was one of the glories of
Italy. He then incorporated the Libera me into the
Requiem which was written in memory of the celebrated poet and
novelist Alessandro Manzoni who died in 1873.
Verdi’s dramatic setting of the Mass has it all, and owes much to
his love of opera. Dramatic moments abound, as you would expect from
such a great opera composer – the drama of the Dies Irae and
the Sanctus for double choir are unsurpassed in choral
writing. There are also moments of beautiful tranquillity such as
the Lacrymosa and the Requiem aeternam found within
the Libera me. Verdi’s Requiem is a deeply personal
statement where sacred and secular are merged into a work of
enormous power.
For this performance the Northampton Bach Choir will be joined by
the Orchestra da Camera and four eminent soloists of international
standing.Programme:
Northampton Bach Choir
Orchestra da Camera
Conductor: Lee Dunleavy
Soprano: Alison Pearce
Alto: Deborah Miles-Johnson
Tenor: Martin Hindmarsh
Bass: Andrew Mayor
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