I first sang "The Heavens Are Telling" from Haydn's Creation as a high school freshman. Many years (and performances) later, the last section is still just as thrilling as it was when I was 15.
Pietro Pontio
Sometimes the best way to determine historical practice is to learn about when things went wrong... like with Pietro Pontio! Early Music Sources provides some excellent context for what was going on (both good and bad) in this situation.
Maria Magdalene
Today I'm reveling in this glorious Guerrero motet (the model for the Lobo mass sung at Church of the Advent on Saturday/Sunday) and remembering that Jesus appeared to the women first.
Handl - Ecce quomodo moritur justus
This gorgeous piece by Jacob Handl often shows up for Good Friday and it's always worth it!
Lusitano - Inviolata
Who would take a piece by Josquin and write a larger piece based on it? Several people, actually. This week's #JosquinHomage is Vicente Lusitano and his setting of "Inviolata".
Sweelinck's Theme and Variations
Theme and variations = my favorite musical form. How else can composers show off their skill and give the audience an ear worm at the same time? Case in point: this fantastic one by Sweelinck, plus helpful analysis by Early Music Sources!
Sicut Cervus, part 2!
I posted about Palestrina's setting of Sicut Cervus a year ago, but then I found this gorgeous recording which includes part 2!
Bach and the mob
The "turba" choruses in Bach's St. John Passion are some of the catchiest and fun to sing - and I think that's exactly what Bach intended. Going along with the mob and being swept up by their energy is easy and fun, until you (hopefully) realize you're calling for someone's death...
AND the anti-semitism in the St. John Passion is NOT OK. It's fine to present this piece, but it needs context. My experience had to do with idea that we all are complicit in the actions of the mob. No anti-semitism, yes to personal responsibility and examining your actions.
Les Baricades Mïstérieuses
Sometimes you can't beat an old favorite - like this incredible version of Couperin's "Les Baricades Mïstérieuses". Thanks to my colleague Vijay Chalasani for sharing this!
Allegri: A game of telephone
Lies, errors, ignorance... Allegri's Miserere (as we know it today) is like that children's game of "telephone" - it bears only slight resemblance to the original. Check out the full story below and then come hear it at the Ash Wednesday service at Advent on Wednesday night (6:30pm, with me singing the top Cs)
P.S. Thanks to Dr. Rebecca Marchand for sharing this video!