Grazie in Grazia

There could be no better way to conclude our year than to present Monteverdi’s great mass of thanksgiving, written in the year 1692 after plague had once again ravaged Europe. Great art comes from great hardship, and in presenting this work, we acknowledge the great hardship we as the human race have collectively endured over the last two years of our lives. We give thanks to Monteverdi whose selfless act of composition has given us this heartfelt and consoling work. Part 1 of our program begins in Italy with Monteverdi, interposed with works by other titans of the Venetian Renaissance, Merula and Gabrieli.

Part 2 takes us on a journey to Germany through the music of Heinrich Schütz, Monteverdi’s great pupil and teacher of J.S. Bach. We end the year with the one composer who is our greatest inspiration, and whose ability to console and bring joy surpasses all others. J.S. Bach’s mighty Christmas Cantata ‘Christen, ätzet diesen Tag’ BWV 63 is a true celebration of the spirit of Christmas and thanksgiving.

Program
PART I: ITALIA
Monteverdi Messa a quattro voci da cappella ‘Selva morale e spirituale’
* Fanfare
* Introitus Chant
* Kyrie
* Chant - Gloria
* Gloria

Gabrieli Canzona due a quattro 1608
* Chant - Credo
* Rovetta: Credo a 7
* Crucifuxus - Et Resurrexit
* Unam sanctam catholicam - Confiteor

Merula Canzoni da suonare, Book 4, Op. 17: Canzon decima settima, ‘La Monteverde’
* Sanctus
* Benedictus
* Agnus Dei

Monteverdi Cantate Domino

PART II: GERMANY
Heinrich Schütz Alleluja! Lobet den Herren
J.S. Bach Cantata ‘Christen, ätzet diesen Tag’ BWV 63