The Three Bs
This concert is a celebration of THE THREE Bs: Bach, Buxtehude and Britten.
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750): Jesu Meine Freude
This motet was probably written for the funeral of the wife of one of Bach’s musical colleagues in 1723. It has eleven movements of great variety. Some are sung by soloists, others by the choir in an English translation by W. Bartholemew. The accompaniment will be cello and organ continuo.
Dieterich Buxtehude (1637 – 1705): Magnificat
This charming one-movement work contrasts rhythmic block-chord choir passages with quite virtuosic solo sections. Our accompaniment is string quartet with organ. There is some doubt as to whether Buxtehude actually was the composer of this piece, but it is lively and interesting and deserves to be more well-known.
Benjamin Britten (1913 – 1976): Rejoice in the Lamb
We are singing Rejoice in the Lamb in memory of long-time member choir member Maxwell Bird who left a legacy to the choir that we received last season. He loved the piece and was always asking if we could perform it.
The poem on which this festival cantata is based is by the eighteenth century poet Christopher Smart, written when he was an inmate in an asylum. Its curious text is set imaginatively and humorously by Britten. It is for choir and soloists with organ accompaniment and was written for the 50th anniversary of the consecration of St. Matthew’s Church, Northampton.
The concert will also feature renaissance music by Viadana and Victoria and additional instrumental solo items.