Emma Kirkby, the renowned soprano celebrated for her exquisite interpretations of Baroque and Classical repertoire, presents a captivating album featuring two monumental works: Vivaldi's "Gloria in D Major, RV 589" and Bach's "Magnificat in E-Flat Major, BWV 243a." Released on January 1, 2014, under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label, this album is a testament to Kirkby's artistry and the timeless beauty of these choral masterpieces.
The album opens with Vivaldi's exuberant "Gloria," a work that showcases the composer's distinctive style and Kirkby's ability to convey both joy and reverence. Each movement, from the triumphant "Gloria in excelsis Deo" to the serene "Quoniam tu solus sanctus," is performed with precision and emotional depth, highlighting the dynamic range of Kirkby's voice and the virtuosity of the accompanying ensemble.
The second half of the album is dedicated to Bach's "Magnificat," a work of profound spiritual significance and musical brilliance. Kirkby's interpretation of this sacred cantata is marked by her signature clarity and expressiveness. The album's duration of 1 hour and 4 minutes allows for a comprehensive exploration of both works, offering a rich and immersive listening experience.
This album is a must for fans of classical and choral music, as well as those seeking to discover the transcendent power of Vivaldi and Bach's compositions. Emma Kirkby's masterful performances make this a standout release in her illustrious career.
Gloria, RV 589: I. Gloria in excelsis DeoAntonio Vivaldi, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Gloria, RV 589: II. Et in terra paxAntonio Vivaldi, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Gloria, RV 589: III. Laudamus teAntonio Vivaldi, Judith Nelson, Emma Kirkby, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Gloria, RV 589: IV. Gratias agimus tibiAntonio Vivaldi, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Gloria, RV 589: V. Propter magnam gloriam tuamAntonio Vivaldi, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Gloria, RV 589: VI. Domine Deus, Rex caelestisAntonio Vivaldi, Judith Nelson, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Gloria, RV 589: VII. Domine Fili unigeniteAntonio Vivaldi, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Gloria, RV 589: VIII. Domine Deus, Agnus DeiAntonio Vivaldi, Carolyn Watkinson, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Gloria, RV 589: IX. Qui tollis peccata mundiAntonio Vivaldi, Simon Preston, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music
Gloria, RV 589: X. Qui sedes ad dexteram PatrisAntonio Vivaldi, Carolyn Watkinson, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Gloria, RV 589: XI. Quoniam tu solus sanctusAntonio Vivaldi, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Gloria, RV 589: XII. Cum Sancto SpirituAntonio Vivaldi, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 1. Magnificat anima meaJohann Sebastian Bach, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 2. Et exultavit spiritus meusJohann Sebastian Bach, Emma Kirkby, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 3. Vom Himmel hochJohann Sebastian Bach, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 4. Quia respexit humilitatemJohann Sebastian Bach, Judith Nelson, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 5. Omnes genarationesJohann Sebastian Bach, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 6. Quia fecit mihi magnaJohann Sebastian Bach, David Thomas, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 7. Freut euch und jubiliertJohann Sebastian Bach, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 8. Et misericordiaJohann Sebastian Bach, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston, Paul Elliott, Carolyn Watkinson
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 9. Fecit potentiamJohann Sebastian Bach, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 10. Gloria in excelsis DeoJohann Sebastian Bach, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 11. Deposuit potentesJohann Sebastian Bach, Paul Elliott, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 12. Esurientes implevit bonisJohann Sebastian Bach, Carolyn Watkinson, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 13. Virga jesseJohann Sebastian Bach, Emma Kirkby, David Thomas, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 14. Suscepit IsraelJohann Sebastian Bach, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 15. Sicut locutus estJohann Sebastian Bach, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 16. Gloria PatriJohann Sebastian Bach, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston