CCO + VAE: Vivaldi and Fauré
Press Release | 09.11.19

Cincinnati, OH – The Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra (CCO) and Vocal Arts Ensemble (VAE) join forces again to present three choral works that will showcase the acoustical splendor of Christ Church Cathedral.

The program begins with the world premiere of a new arrangement. Ralph Vaughan Williams, a life-long exponent of England’s musical traditions, first voiced his heritage in the “Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis,” a radiant, mysterious work for string orchestra. Among the most popular works in the English repertoire, the Fantasia is a tribute to one of the greatest composers of the 16th century, Thomas Tallis.

This arrangement reshapes the work to include chorus – singing the original chant by Thomas Tallis – as well as an improvised soprano saxophone, played by James Bunte, which will soar over the combined ensembles. The singers will be placed throughout the church to create lush soundscapes with shimmering colors, surround sound effects and echoes.
The concert also features two well-known staples of choral repertoire, Gabriel Fauré’s serene Requiem and Antonio Vivaldi’s beloved Gloria.

Antonio Vivaldi spent most of his productive years at the Hospital of Mercy in Venice, an orphanage with an exceptional musical program where he worked as teacher and composer for almost four decades.
While he is known for his many concertos like the Four Seasons, he also produced a significant quantity of sacred music. We don’t know the exact reasons for the Gloria, but the scoring suggests that it was intended for performance at the orphanage.
Vivaldi’s Gloria is truly a hymn of joy – full of dramatic contrasts in mood, texture and color. As always with his music we can hear the rhythmic fervor that makes his music an almost toe-tapping affair. From the exuberant opening movement to meditative, gentle middle movements, to a festive final celebration, Vivaldi creates a vivid sense of pulsation, lyricism and boundless energy.

One of his greatest achievements – and one of the finest works in all of French music – Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem features a unique language that creates a world of intimacy and comfort. The Requiem – a Mass for the Dead – is equally and more importantly a Mass for the Living.

The power of his music lays in its delicate textures, subtle harmonies, transparent orchestration and finely shaped phrases. Much of the otherworldly beauty of the Requiem rests on the chant-like melodies, simple and touching. The CCO and VAE will be performing the version by John Rutter, recreating the original more intimate concept.

You won’t want to miss this evening of beautiful music in the magnificent environs of the Cathedral.

Vaughan Williams, arr. Hans-Peter Preu: New arrangement of Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis
Antonio Vivaldi: Gloria in Excelsis Deo, RV 589
Gabriel Fauré: Requiem in D Minor, Op. 48

Tickets are available through VAE at: vaecinci.org
Single tickets will be $35 for reserved seating and $25 for general admission. Prices increase day of show.
Single tickets are on sale September 17.