MIDSUMMER MOZARTIADE
MISSA BREVIS
Nowadays, performing sacred music on a stage often means tackling a grandiose oratorio such as Verdi's Requiem, Beethoven's Missa Solemnis or Dvořák's Stabat Mater, bringing together impressive forces. In contrast, this concert focuses on rather intimate oratorios, both in terms of length and the number of performers, offering more of a chamber music atmosphere. These short masses were very popular in the second half of the 18th century. Three of these, written by Mozart and Haydn around 1770, are presented here. The fourth work on the programme, a new composition by Fabian Fiorini, lends a contemporary touch to this highly condensed, emotionally charged form. In short, this concert invites music lovers from all backgrounds to spiritual reflection, aesthetic appreciation and a deeper connection to the timeless tradition of sacred music.
Mozart Missa brevis in D minor KV 65
Haydn Missa sancti Johannes de Deo Hob XXII:7 Fabian Fiorini Missa brevis (world premiere) Mozart Missa brevis in B-flat major KV 275 Musical direction Gabriel Hollander Soprano Clara Inglese Alto Julie Bailly Tenor Maxime Jermann Bass Leander Carlier Violins 1 Noémi Tiercet, An-Sofie Perneel, tbc Violins 2 tbc Cellos tbc Double bass tbc |
A word from the conductor
In a way, this concert was inspired by my grandfather. It was he who introduced me to Bach's cantatas and oratorios when I was a child. I still have fond memories of those encounters. And although I grew up in a non-Catholic family, I still feel drawn to sacred music. Together with opera, it is the repertoire that unites the most values for me: the beauty of the music, the story carried by the text, the spirituality of the experience. The idea for a concert featuriing different Missae breves came about rather by chance during a performance of Mozart's Mass in D minor as part of a chamber music festival at the conservatory. I simply fell in love with this ‘brief’ structure, in which the entire text (and thus the entire history of the mass) is presented in a short space of time, while retaining all of the characteristic musical elements (fugues, solos, counterpoints). That is why I wanted to explore this repertoire further and even to bring it up to date a bit with a special commission for the occasion. What's more, this programme of short masses is part of a larger recording project scheduled for autumn 2024. So there is plenty to look forward to! Gabriel Hollander |