Solemn Vespers

Jonathan Richter directs NEC's Youth Chorale and Youth Camerata in a program that features the Vesperae Solennes de Confessore, or “Solemn Vespers,” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart juxtaposed with other settings of vespers texts by Palestrina, Byrd, Monteverdi and Pärt.

Vocal music by its very nature, unlike other musical forms, has the defining element of text.The greatest choral composers throughout history have had unique abilities to present, compliment, and even manipulate texts in ways that were hitherto never considered. In taking on this vespers service by Mozart, the singers have had the opportunity to explore the sublime genius of Mozart and directly compare it to the most brilliant musical minds of the Renaissance, the Baroque Era and the 20th Century.

The complete program:

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Vesperae Solennes de Confessore
Claudio Monteverdi: Beatus vir from Vespro della Beata Vergine 1610
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina: Confitebor tibi
William Byrd: Praise our Lord, all ye Gentiles (Psalm 117)
Arvo Pärt: Magnificat