Harpenden Choral Society plays Martines: Dixit Dominus
St John’s Church, St Johns Road, Harpenden AL5 1DJSaturday 22nd March 2025 7.30pm, St John’s Church, St Johns Road, Harpenden AL5 1DJ Martines: Dixit Dominus Marianna Martines was a prominent composer in the Classical era, and her “Dixit Dominus” is considered one of her masterpieces. It’s a significant piece in the history of women in classical music, showcasing her talent and contribution to the genre. The composition itself is a grand motet, setting Psalm 110 for choir, soloists, and orchestra. It’s known for its rich vocal writing, intricate ornamentation, and powerful fugues. The music is both beautiful and expressive, demonstrating Martines’ mastery of counterpoint and harmony. Mozart composed the Solemn Vespers K339 in 1780. He was constrained by Archbishop Colloredo’s strictures and expectations regarding the form of music for performance in Salzburg Cathedral; nevertheless, his characteristic melodic beauty, harmonic richness, and masterful orchestration are unmistakable. While it’s a “solemn” vespers, the work isn’t uniformly monumental. There are moments of great power, balanced by passages of delicate beauty and lyrical expression, especially the Laudate Dominum solo for soprano voice Michael Haydn was a prolific composer who wrote over 800 works, including 40 symphonies and 36 masses. His Missa Sancti Francisci Seraphici in C major is one of his most ...
