Glorious baroque

Manly-Warringah Choir

Vivaldi: Gloria

J. S. Bach: Cantata No. 4 J. S. Bach: Cantata No. 4

Grieg: Holberg Suite

with Choir, Soloists and Orchestra, Conducted by Dr Carlos Alvarado

It is chilly now, but Spring is approaching; treat yourself to a heart-warming afternoon listening to the glorious music of Vivaldi, Grieg and J S Bach. Vivaldi’s sparkling Gloria, full of infectious enthusiasm for life, will lift your spirits and imbue you with hope that spring brings. The brilliantly arresting and deservedly best-known opening is followed by eleven relatively short movements ranging from festive brilliance to exquisite poignancy and profound sadness. There are lilting soprano solos, and lovely counter melodies played by viola and oboe. Collectively they form a joyful hymn of praise and worship.

The year 1884 was the bicentenary of Ludvig Holberg, a renowned Norwegian scholar and music lover, long considered the founding father of Norwegian letters. He was a contemporary of J S Bach. Grieg, as an established Norwegian composer was enlisted to compose a work that would accompany the unveiling of a Holberg monument. It was also a time when the music of the Baroque period was being rediscovered. Hence the result being a delightful exploration of the elegance and grace of 18th century dance sequences.

J.S. Bach’s Cantata No 4 is a treasure neglected for far too long. Bach uses the hymns of Martin Luther (200 years earlier) as a basis for this work and combines it with his own rebellious spirit. Life is hard and tough: one must be robust to survive. The words speak of Death and Life, good and evil, darkness and light. The music conveys the power of Life to dominate. The energy to do so comes from faith in God almighty, Hallelujah! It is a robustly joyful work, achieved by using different voices in different movements, elaborate use of embellishments and striking changes of key, all for dramatic effect. Bach’s traditionally energetic rhythms prevail, interspersed with quieter passages giving rise to a deep sense of gratitude to God. So come and join us! Enjoy these uplifting works of classical music; catch up with old friends and make new ones.