Choir La Stagione Armonica, Sergio Balestracci

Choir La Stagione Armonica |  Sergio Balestracci, director

PROGRAMME

J. Cererols: Requiem Mass for two choirs and continuous/ ¡Ay, qué dolor! / J.S. Bach: Two motets / G. Allegri: Miserere

A number of musicological studies have affirmed that it is highly probable that Johann Sebastian Bach (1 685-1 750) had first-hand knowledge of some of the works of the Catalan composer, Joan Cererols (1 618-1 676). The initial theme of the monumental Saint Matthew Passion is in fact based on a theme which is almost identical to one used by Cererols in the villancet, "¡Ay, qué dolor!". In this concert, dedicated to the memory of the music-lover and man of many interests, Ernest Lluch i Martín, La Stagione Armonica, an ensemble based in Padua, Will explore this possible influence by performing a selection of works by both composers. The concert Will end with a work which is one of the high points of prima practica, and which for over a hundred years could never be copied or performed outside the Vatican. This is the well-known Miserere by Gregorio Allegri (1582-1 652), which COUId only be heard during Holy Week performances in the Sistine Chapel, and which the 14-year-old Mozart managed to write out after only one hearing.