Yes, Handel wrote a couple of Passions. They are early works. One of them is a St John Passion. It is quite a good work, but not enough for the chorus, I think.
Then there is the Brockes Passion. Brockes is the person who wrote the libretto based on John's gospel, and it was used by several composers. The Bach St John Passion uses the Brockes text.
The Handel Brockes Passion still does not have quite enough for the chorus ( I think), but the choral writing is very good. The are choruses that sound distinctively like Handel - the opening chorus is a great piece. The work is different from Bach - Handel gets Jesus to sing a duet with his mother. It is interesting to see the way Handel sets the Weg, weg chorus.
This Brockes Passion will be performed in Auckland (first ever NZ performance) at Pitt St Methodist Church on April 10.
Bach knew the Handel work, and there is a version in Bach's handwriting.
Handel re-used some of the music in Oratorios which he wrote in England - Deborah and Esther..
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Cantique de Jean Racine
City of Dunedin Choir's next concert features Cantique de Jean Racine by Fauré.
Gabriel Urbain Fauré (12 May 1845 – 4 November 1924) was a French composer, organist, pianist, and teacher. He was the foremost French composer of his generation, and his musical style influenced many 20th century composers. His harmonic and melodic language affected how harmony was later taught.
Gabriel Fauré is regarded as the master of the French art song, or mélodie. His works ranged from an early romantic style, when in his early years he emulated the style of Mendelssohn and others, to late 19th century Romantic, and finally to a 20th century aesthetic.
Here is an Engish translation of the Cantique de Jean Racine:
To our very high Lord our only hope
This eternal day of the earth and of the night
Saviour we are breaking the divine silence
Saviour direct your divine sight on us
Spread on us the fire of your powerful grace,
so that all evil disappears at the sound of your voice.
God wakes up the languished soul from his sleep
Christ be kind to your people
Receive their songs as a gift to your immortal glory
And the people shall receive peace in return.
Read more about Fauré...
Here is a learning track for the alto part (sung by a guy), useful for practicing purposes:
and here's one for the tenor voice:
Gabriel Urbain Fauré (12 May 1845 – 4 November 1924) was a French composer, organist, pianist, and teacher. He was the foremost French composer of his generation, and his musical style influenced many 20th century composers. His harmonic and melodic language affected how harmony was later taught.
Gabriel Fauré is regarded as the master of the French art song, or mélodie. His works ranged from an early romantic style, when in his early years he emulated the style of Mendelssohn and others, to late 19th century Romantic, and finally to a 20th century aesthetic.
Here is an Engish translation of the Cantique de Jean Racine:
To our very high Lord our only hope
This eternal day of the earth and of the night
Saviour we are breaking the divine silence
Saviour direct your divine sight on us
Spread on us the fire of your powerful grace,
so that all evil disappears at the sound of your voice.
God wakes up the languished soul from his sleep
Christ be kind to your people
Receive their songs as a gift to your immortal glory
And the people shall receive peace in return.
Read more about Fauré...
Here is a learning track for the alto part (sung by a guy), useful for practicing purposes:
and here's one for the tenor voice:
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Fundraising ceramic pendants
Presenting concerts of the choral masterpieces on a grand scale like this year's St John Passion is a financial challenge for any choir. City of Dunedin Choir spends many voluntary hours fundraising. Here's another opportunity to help the Choir bring great music to audiences in Dunedin.
Click the thumbnail pictures below to see a larger version with detail of these beautiful ceramic pendants that are for sale. The pendants are lovingly crafted by M Couper of Queenstown. Choir members will be given direct contact details of the fund-raising organiser, Natalie Baylis.
Members of the public please submit your orders directly to the Choir administration. Preferably send an email to info at cityofdunedinchoir.org.nz so that your order can be forwarded to Natalie. She will contact you to make arrangements for payment and delivery.
The pendants come in black, green and two shades of red. Each pendant is unique, so it will be first come first served! To avoid disappointment, please specify a first and second choice when you order.
The cost is $20.00 NZD per pendant.
Black cords with clasp cost $5.00 NZD and are available in the following lengths:
Short - approx 45 cm
Medium - approx 55 cm
Long - approx 59 cm
Extra Long - approx 72 cm
Click the thumbnail pictures below to see a larger version with detail of these beautiful ceramic pendants that are for sale. The pendants are lovingly crafted by M Couper of Queenstown. Choir members will be given direct contact details of the fund-raising organiser, Natalie Baylis.
Members of the public please submit your orders directly to the Choir administration. Preferably send an email to info at cityofdunedinchoir.org.nz so that your order can be forwarded to Natalie. She will contact you to make arrangements for payment and delivery.
The pendants come in black, green and two shades of red. Each pendant is unique, so it will be first come first served! To avoid disappointment, please specify a first and second choice when you order.
The cost is $20.00 NZD per pendant.
Black cords with clasp cost $5.00 NZD and are available in the following lengths:
Short - approx 45 cm
Medium - approx 55 cm
Long - approx 59 cm
Extra Long - approx 72 cm
St John Today
After two days of a crewel work stitching class, taught by an Australian tutor held in the Dunedin Public Art Gallery , I crept in to the back of the Town Hall and stood spellbound for 40 minutes. I have never in 34 years been on the other side of the black music folder.
I was able to hear from the tenor aria near the beginning of the second half, until Claire had sung her "it is finished" aria. Not long enough - I wanted to hear it all.
First - you looked magnificent. The organ had red back lighting and you (the choir) and the orchestra dressed in black and white, ranged across the stage looked so professional. World class in my eyes.
I stood, unable to move for several chorales, the "kreutzigas", the "casting lots for the clothes" and Howard and Claire's "it is finished'. I thought you sang with all your heart and soul and I could hear that in the music. I wanted to join in and yet it was incredible to hear the music we practiced week after week, with all the familiar faces actually "on stage". I was totally overcome and you all became quite blurred for a time.
I have no idea what the review will say, but - Wow - you were great. Dunedin doesn't realise how lucky it is having "us". And we are so lucky to be able to sing fantastic music. I am so privileged to have been on the score side of the black folders.
I do have something to look forward to - and that is, when I am finally not able to sing in the choir I will be able to listen to you.
I was able to hear from the tenor aria near the beginning of the second half, until Claire had sung her "it is finished" aria. Not long enough - I wanted to hear it all.
First - you looked magnificent. The organ had red back lighting and you (the choir) and the orchestra dressed in black and white, ranged across the stage looked so professional. World class in my eyes.
I stood, unable to move for several chorales, the "kreutzigas", the "casting lots for the clothes" and Howard and Claire's "it is finished'. I thought you sang with all your heart and soul and I could hear that in the music. I wanted to join in and yet it was incredible to hear the music we practiced week after week, with all the familiar faces actually "on stage". I was totally overcome and you all became quite blurred for a time.
I have no idea what the review will say, but - Wow - you were great. Dunedin doesn't realise how lucky it is having "us". And we are so lucky to be able to sing fantastic music. I am so privileged to have been on the score side of the black folders.
I do have something to look forward to - and that is, when I am finally not able to sing in the choir I will be able to listen to you.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Have you got yours?
Have you got your ticket to this awesome concert on Sunday? Don't miss it! Rush down to TicketDirect at the Regent and get your tickets now!
Tenor Paul McMahon, singing the role of the Evangelist, is highly regarded in Australia for his interpretation of the baroque repertoire. Lois Johnston, soprano, and Claire Barton, alto, are well known and admired by Dunedin concert goers. Oliver Sewell (tenor), Chris Bruerton (bass) and Howard Harvey (in the role of Christ), accomplished soloists from Christchurch, will contribute to the experience of this contemplative work.
Tickets are on sale now!
Sunday 28 March, 3:00 pm, Dunedin Town Hall
The City of Dunedin Choir, supported by the Southern Sinfonia and conducted by David Burchell, presents Bach's Easter story, the St John Passion. This dramatic and powerful oratorio provides a focus for the celebration at Easter.Tenor Paul McMahon, singing the role of the Evangelist, is highly regarded in Australia for his interpretation of the baroque repertoire. Lois Johnston, soprano, and Claire Barton, alto, are well known and admired by Dunedin concert goers. Oliver Sewell (tenor), Chris Bruerton (bass) and Howard Harvey (in the role of Christ), accomplished soloists from Christchurch, will contribute to the experience of this contemplative work.
Tickets are on sale now!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Beautiful chorus
The final chorus and chorale from St John Passion are of the most beautiful movements Bach ever composed.
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750):
RUHT WOHL, IHR HEILIGEN GEBEINE
The handwriting is by Johann Nathanael Bammler, who was prefect in the Thomanerchor Leipzig and an assistant to Bach in the late 1740s.
The St. John Passion was composed in the beginning of 1724 and had its first performance on Good Friday the same year (April 7). The original score by Bach is now lost. In the late 1730s, Bach began writing a new fair copy of the score. But he broke off his writing in the middle of the 10th movement (the recitative "Derselbige Jünger"). It is known that a planned passion performance in 1739 was cancelled by the church authorities in Leipzig, because Bach had not in due time seeked their approval of the passion text. Possibly this incident explains why he did not complete the score at that time. In 1749, in connection with a new performance of the St. John Passion, the score was finally completed by Bammler. Bach then reviewed the score and corrected various mistakes.
Ruht wohl, ihr heiligen Gebeine,
Die ich nun weiter nicht beweine,
Ruht wohl und bringt auch mich zur Ruh!
Das Grab, so euch bestimmet ist
Und ferner keine Not umschließt,
Macht mir den Himmel auf und schließt die Hölle zu.
Ach Herr, laß dein lieb' Engelein
Am letzten End die Seele mein
In Abrahams Schoß tragen,
Den Leib in seim Schlafkämmerlein
Gar sanft ohn ein'ge Qual und Pein
Ruh'n bis am jüngsten Tage!
Alsdenn vom Tod erwecke mich,
Daß meine Augen sehen dich
In aller Freud, o Gottes Sohn,
Mein Heiland und Genadenthron!
Herr Jesu Christ, erhöre mich,
Ich will dich preisen ewiglich!
Translation:
Rest well, ye holy bones and members,
Which I henceforth shall never weep for,
Rest well and bring me, too, to rest!
The tomb which for you is assigned,
And henceforth no distress will hold,
Doth open heav'n to me and shut the gates of hell.
Ah Lord, let thine own angels dear
At my last hour my spirit bear
To Abraham's own bosom,
My body in its simple bed
In peace without distress and dread
Rest till the day of judgment!
And then from death awaken me,
That with mine eyes I may see thee
In fullest joy, O God's own Son,
My Savior and my gracious throne!
Lord Jesus Christ, give ear to me,
I would thee praise eternally!
The autograph score by Bammler can be found here (Satz 39 & 40):
http://vmbach.rz.uni-leipzig.de:8971/...
The Monteverdi Choir
The English Baroque Soloists
Conducted by John Eliot Gardiner
Don't miss the performance by City of Dunedin Choir in the Dunedin Town Hall on Sunday 28 March at 3 pm.
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750):
RUHT WOHL, IHR HEILIGEN GEBEINE
The handwriting is by Johann Nathanael Bammler, who was prefect in the Thomanerchor Leipzig and an assistant to Bach in the late 1740s.
The St. John Passion was composed in the beginning of 1724 and had its first performance on Good Friday the same year (April 7). The original score by Bach is now lost. In the late 1730s, Bach began writing a new fair copy of the score. But he broke off his writing in the middle of the 10th movement (the recitative "Derselbige Jünger"). It is known that a planned passion performance in 1739 was cancelled by the church authorities in Leipzig, because Bach had not in due time seeked their approval of the passion text. Possibly this incident explains why he did not complete the score at that time. In 1749, in connection with a new performance of the St. John Passion, the score was finally completed by Bammler. Bach then reviewed the score and corrected various mistakes.
Ruht wohl, ihr heiligen Gebeine,
Die ich nun weiter nicht beweine,
Ruht wohl und bringt auch mich zur Ruh!
Das Grab, so euch bestimmet ist
Und ferner keine Not umschließt,
Macht mir den Himmel auf und schließt die Hölle zu.
Ach Herr, laß dein lieb' Engelein
Am letzten End die Seele mein
In Abrahams Schoß tragen,
Den Leib in seim Schlafkämmerlein
Gar sanft ohn ein'ge Qual und Pein
Ruh'n bis am jüngsten Tage!
Alsdenn vom Tod erwecke mich,
Daß meine Augen sehen dich
In aller Freud, o Gottes Sohn,
Mein Heiland und Genadenthron!
Herr Jesu Christ, erhöre mich,
Ich will dich preisen ewiglich!
Translation:
Rest well, ye holy bones and members,
Which I henceforth shall never weep for,
Rest well and bring me, too, to rest!
The tomb which for you is assigned,
And henceforth no distress will hold,
Doth open heav'n to me and shut the gates of hell.
Ah Lord, let thine own angels dear
At my last hour my spirit bear
To Abraham's own bosom,
My body in its simple bed
In peace without distress and dread
Rest till the day of judgment!
And then from death awaken me,
That with mine eyes I may see thee
In fullest joy, O God's own Son,
My Savior and my gracious throne!
Lord Jesus Christ, give ear to me,
I would thee praise eternally!
The autograph score by Bammler can be found here (Satz 39 & 40):
http://vmbach.rz.uni-leipzig.de:8971/...
The Monteverdi Choir
The English Baroque Soloists
Conducted by John Eliot Gardiner
Don't miss the performance by City of Dunedin Choir in the Dunedin Town Hall on Sunday 28 March at 3 pm.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Bach is hard work
Last night's rejearsal was long and exhausting! St John Passion is not an easy work and I always feel that there are too many notes! This little alto was very tired last night, to the extent of oversleeping this morning and being late for work. Oh well, it's not always easy to combine a working week with choir rehearsals when the pressure is on just prior to a concert.
Nevertheless, it is all worth the effort. It is very rewarding when suddenly there is the feeling: "Yes, it's all coming together now!" and one can begin to enjoy the music. I think we have reached that stage now.
Tickets are on sale now! Get yours now and don't miss this performance in the Dunedin Town Hall on Sunday 28 March at 3:00pm.
Tenor Paul McMahon, singing the role of the Evangelist, is highly regarded in Australia for his interpretation of the baroque repertoire.
Lois Johnston, soprano, and Claire Barton, alto, are well known and admired by Dunedin concert goers. Oliver Sewell (tenor), Chris Bruerton (bass) and Howard Harvey (in the role of Christ), accomplished soloists from Christchurch, will contribute to the experience of this contemplative work.
Orchestral support will be provided by the Southern Sinfonia.
Nevertheless, it is all worth the effort. It is very rewarding when suddenly there is the feeling: "Yes, it's all coming together now!" and one can begin to enjoy the music. I think we have reached that stage now.
Tickets are on sale now! Get yours now and don't miss this performance in the Dunedin Town Hall on Sunday 28 March at 3:00pm.
Tenor Paul McMahon, singing the role of the Evangelist, is highly regarded in Australia for his interpretation of the baroque repertoire.
Lois Johnston, soprano, and Claire Barton, alto, are well known and admired by Dunedin concert goers. Oliver Sewell (tenor), Chris Bruerton (bass) and Howard Harvey (in the role of Christ), accomplished soloists from Christchurch, will contribute to the experience of this contemplative work.
Orchestral support will be provided by the Southern Sinfonia.
Friday, March 5, 2010
St John Passion
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750)
St John Passion BWV 245
Chorus: "Herr, Herr, Herr, unser Herrscher"
The Chorus of Kazan State Conservatoire,
The Chorus of the Opera Studio of Kazan State Conservatoire,
The Chamber Orchestra of Kazan State Conservatoire,
Conductor: Leo Kremer
The Salikh Saydashev Great Concert Hall, Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia
May 26, 2005
St John Passion BWV 245
Chorus: "Herr, Herr, Herr, unser Herrscher"
The Chorus of Kazan State Conservatoire,
The Chorus of the Opera Studio of Kazan State Conservatoire,
The Chamber Orchestra of Kazan State Conservatoire,
Conductor: Leo Kremer
The Salikh Saydashev Great Concert Hall, Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia
May 26, 2005
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