Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Baroque choral masterpieces with The Sixteen's stunning 2018 release, featuring two iconic works: Antonio Vivaldi's Gloria in D Major, RV 589, and Johann Sebastian Bach's Mass in G Major, BWV 236. This captivating album, conducted by the esteemed Harry Christophers, showcases the extraordinary vocal prowess of The Sixteen, a renowned British choir and orchestra known for their impeccable performances of early music.
The album opens with Vivaldi's exuberant Gloria in D Major, a radiant and uplifting composition that highlights the choir's dynamic range and technical brilliance. The work's lively rhythms and soaring melodies are brought to life with vivid clarity, offering a joyous celebration of faith and music.
Following this, the album presents Bach's Mass in G Major, BWV 236, a serene and contemplative setting of the Latin Mass text. Bach's intricate harmonies and contrapuntal mastery are beautifully rendered by The Sixteen, with soloists and choir alike delivering performances of profound depth and expression. The work's gentle, meditative qualities provide a striking contrast to the exuberance of Vivaldi's Gloria, showcasing the diverse emotional landscapes that these composers were able to explore within the framework of sacred music.
Recorded with pristine clarity and attention to detail, this album offers a rich and immersive listening experience. The Sixteen's commitment to historical performance practice shines through in every note, with the use of period instruments and informed interpretations bringing these works to life in a way that is both authentic and deeply moving. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of Baroque music or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
(C) 2018 The Sixteen Productions Ltd
Tracks
Mass in G Major, BWV 236: I. KyrieJohann Sebastian Bach, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Mass in G Major, BWV 236: II. GloriaJohann Sebastian Bach, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Mass in G Major, BWV 236: III. GratiasJohann Sebastian Bach, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Mass in G Major, BWV 236: IV. Domine DeusJohann Sebastian Bach, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Mass in G Major, BWV 236: V. QuoniamJohann Sebastian Bach, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Mass in G Major, BWV 236: VI. Cum Sancto SpirituJohann Sebastian Bach, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Esther, HWV 50 (1718 version): No. 1, OvertureGeorge Frideric Handel, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Esther, HWV 50 (1718 version): No. 35 "The Lord Our Enemy Has Slain" (Chorus with Soloists)George Frideric Handel, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: I. Gloria in excelsis DeoAntonio Vivaldi, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: II. Et in terra pax hominibusAntonio Vivaldi, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: III. Laudamus teAntonio Vivaldi, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: IV. Gratias agimus tibiAntonio Vivaldi, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: V. Propter magnam gloriamAntonio Vivaldi, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: VI. Domine DeusAntonio Vivaldi, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: VII. Domine Fili UnigeniteAntonio Vivaldi, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: VIII. Domine Deus, Agnus DeiAntonio Vivaldi, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: IX. Qui tollis peccata mundiAntonio Vivaldi, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: X. Qui sedes ad dexteram PatrisAntonio Vivaldi, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: XI. Quoniam tu solus SanctusAntonio Vivaldi, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: XII. Cum Sancto SpirituAntonio Vivaldi, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers