Venetian Christmas Vespers

Claudio Monteverdi 1567-1643


Monteverdi's Vespro della beata Vergine, published in 1610, is rightly regarded as one of the masterpieces of the l7th century. Only in recent years, however, has it been realized that the Selva Morale e Spirituale (published in 1640 when Monteverdi was 73 years old) contains all the music for several more complete Vespers services. This enormous collection of sacred music gathers together Psalm settings, two Magnificats, hymns, and motets written by Monteverdi during his period as maestro di cappella at St Mark's in Venice - a post he had held since 1612.

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Programme

    Toccata Quinta sopra i pedali per l'organo, e senza: Girolamo Frescobaldi
    Deus in adjutorium: plainsong
    Dixit Dominus: Claudio Monteverdi
    Sonata 'La Bellina': Tarquinio Merula
    Confitebor tibi: Monteverdi
    Sonata I: Girolamo Fantini
    Beatus Vir: Monteverdi
    Sonata 'La Sfondrata': Nicolo Corradini
    Laudate pueri: Monteverdi
    Sonata in Eco: Biagio Marini
    Laudate Dominum: Monteverdi
    Sonata VIII: Fantini
    Christe Redemptor Omnium: Monteverdi
    Toccata Quarti Toni: Frescobaldi
    Magnificat: Monteverdi

8pm*, Tuesday 4 December 1990
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Hill Street, Wellington
$20 / $15
* pre-concert talk at 7.30pm

dir. Peter Walls

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