Submitted by Masterworks Choral Ensemble
The title of Masterworks Choral Ensemble’s April 20th concert is “Deo Gloria!” This translates as “Glory to God.” Both of the featured composers in this concert, Bach and Vivaldi, spent their lives expressing their faith through their music. Bach even wrote “Soli Deo Gloria” (Glory to God alone) on all his compositions. The concert features two masterpieces from choral literature: Bach’s “Magnificat” and Vivaldi’s “Gloria.” The program begins at 7:30pm and is preceded by a concert chat at 7pm.
The “Magnificat” is based on Luke I: 46-55 and is a song celebrating the Virgin Mary. It was originally written in 1723 for Christmas Vespers. Some years later Bach revised it and now the piece is suitable through the year. The beauty of the “Magnificat, and all of Bach’s music is his remarkable ability to balance, yet at the same time to exploit to the fullest, the spiritual and dramatic elements of each text.
Vivaldi’s “Gloria” is one long meditation of praise to God. The text comes from the “Gloria” portion of the Latin Mass. This work is characterized by its light, bouncy almost dance-like feel and its movement “Domine Fili Unigenite” is one of the most popular of all choral movements from this period. In addition to the larger choral ensemble, the smaller group, “The Masterworks Singers” will perform a parody piece by the fictitious composer, P.D.Q. Bach called, “The Passionate Shepherd to His Love.”
Also included in this concert are two special events: Masterworks presentation of its annual Salute to the Arts award and a performance by youth guest artist, Caddie Derby, on the violin. Diane Gaile, founder and owner of Mariah Collaborative Arts Center, is MCE’s 2013 Salute honoree for her significant contributions to the arts in our region. Caddie Derby won the middle school division in last year’s Youth Music Competition.
Masterworks received a generous grant from Olympia Federal Savings and Loan that made this event possible. Tickets are available at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts at their box office and online at www.olytix.org.
