The Pretoria Bach Choir will be presenting a feast of music on 6 November 1999. Music lovers, especially lovers of choral music, can look forward to a unique rendition of uplifting choir music composed by Handel and Mozart. The members of the Pretoria Bach Choir and members of the NAPOP Orchestra (under the baton of Aart Bosua) are currently preparing themselves for the concert to be held in the Old Mutual Hall, UNISA, on 6 November 1999. Denise Sutton will lead the orchestra.
Handel's Psalm 112 (Laudate Pueri Dominum , translated: Praise, O ye servants of the Lord) will set the inspiring tone for the concert. This work, which was composed in Rome during 1707, evinces the highly colourful and sensuous character of Roman Catholic church music written in Italy during the late Baroque period. The joyous and buoyant spirit of the choruses and the sparkling virtuosity of the soprano solos and of the accompanying instruments furnish ample evidence of the rhapsody and strength which emanated from the unaffected religious faith of the young Handel.
The second composition will be Mozart's Vesperae solennes de confessore for choir and orchestra. This lyrical sacred work commences with the Dixit (Allegro vivace), and follows with the beautiful Confitebor (Allegro), Beatus vir (Allegro vivace), Laudate pueri (Legato), LaudateDominum (Andante) and ends with the glorious Magnificat (Adagio, Allegro).
Mozart's Vesperae will be followed by Handel's four Coronation Anthems which were originally composed for the coronation of King George II. These anthems will give an exuberant and festive ambience to the concert. The Coronation anthems include: Zadok the Priest, Let thy hand be strengthened, The King shall rejoice and My heart is inditing .