O Eternal Fire: The Brilliance of Handel and Bach
Saturday November 8, 2008 at 8pm
First English Lutheran Church
3807 North Charles Street, Baltimore 21218
7pm pre-concert lecture by Daniel Abraham, American University and Bach Sinfonia
Handel The King shall rejoice
Bach Cantata BWV 12: Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen
(Weeping, Crying, Sorrow, Sighing)
Handel Concerto Grosso Op. 6 no. 12 in B minor
Bach Cantata BWV 34: O ewiges Feuer, o Ursprung der Liebe
(O eternal Fire, O source of Love)
Jay White countertenor
Robert Petillo tenor
Phillip Collister bass
Melinda O'Neal conductor
Chandos Singers, Handel Choir of Baltimore and Handel Period Instrument Orchestra
We continue a new Handel Choir tradition of pairing two hallmark baroque composers, Handel and Bach. Handel's The King shall rejoice, written to celebrate the coronation of King George II in Westminster Abbey (1727), is set for festive baroque orchestra and voices. Bach's Cantata BWV 12, an introspective work, depicts the transformation from sorrow and fear to the joy of “blossoms of blessing” through faith. Resplendent in its orchestration, Cantata BWV 34 implores God to bestow peace upon Israel. The opening chorus's lively figuration inspired by the licking flames of the Holy Spirit (“Feuer”) is contrasted with the trumpet's long notes illustrating eternity (“ewiges”). This is Bach at his most mature, insightful and robust. And a special bonus — the Handel Period Instrument Orchestra performing one of Handel's quintessential concerti grossi. Read the full program notes ,texts and translations.
Special $10 Rush Tickets for O Eternal Fire on sale at the door November 8 begining at 7:30 pm Subject to availability.
Be sure of a seat. Buy your tickets here.
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