Vivaldi: Gloria
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) was one of the most prolific and influential composers of the Baroque era. He wrote over 500 concertos, as well as operas, sacred music, and chamber music. His most famous work is The Four Seasons, a set of four violin concertos that depict the changing seasons of the year. Vivaldi was also a priest and a music teacher at the Ospedale della Pietà , a charitable institution for orphaned and abandoned girls in Venice. He composed many works for the female choir and orchestra of the Ospedale, including his magnificent Gloria.
The Gloria is a setting of the Latin hymn that begins with the words "Gloria in excelsis Deo" ("Glory to God in the highest"). It is divided into 12 movements, each with a different mood and character. The music is full of contrasts: joyful choruses alternate with solo arias, fast tempos with slow ones, major keys with minor ones. The Gloria expresses the range of emotions that accompany the celebration of the birth of Christ: praise, gratitude, joy, wonder, peace, and love. It is one of the most popular and beloved pieces of sacred music in history.
Corelli: Christmas Concerto
Arcangelo Corelli (1653-1713) was another master of the Italian Baroque. He was a virtuoso violinist and a leading composer of instrumental music. He wrote 12 concerti grossi, which are works for a small group of soloists (the concertino) and a larger ensemble (the ripieno). His concerti grossi influenced many composers after him, such as Handel and Bach. One of his most famous concerti grossi is the Christmas Concerto, which he dedicated to his patron Cardinal Pietro Ottoboni.
The Christmas Concerto is also known as Concerto No. 8 in G minor, Op. 6. It has six movements, and it is marked "Fatto per la notte di Natale" ("Made for the night of Christmas"). The first four movements are typical of Corelli's style: elegant, graceful, and harmonious. The fifth movement is a lively dance called "Allegro". The last movement is a "Pastorale", which depicts the shepherds of the nativity story through long notes that imitate the drone of bagpipes. Bagpipes were often associated with shepherds in Renaissance and Baroque culture. The Pastorale has a serene and pastoral atmosphere, evoking the peacefulness of the holy night.
Scarlatti: Cantata pastorale per la nascita di Nostro Signore
Alessandro Scarlatti (1660-1725) was one of the most important composers of Italian opera in the Baroque period. He wrote over 600 operas, as well as sacred music, chamber music, and keyboard music. His son Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757) was also a famous composer, especially known for his 555 keyboard sonatas. Alessandro Scarlatti composed several cantatas for Christmas, which are vocal works with instrumental accompaniment. One of them is the Cantata pastorale per la nascita di Nostro Signore ("Pastoral Cantata for the Birth of Our Lord").
The Cantata pastorale is a solo cantata for soprano voice and strings. It has four movements: two recitatives and two arias. The text is in Italian, and it tells the story of a shepherdess who hears the angels announcing the birth of Jesus. She expresses her joy and admiration for the newborn savior in poetic language. The music matches the text with expressive melodies, rich harmonies, and rhythmic variety. The first aria is a lively allegro with a catchy refrain that repeats the words "Lieti pastori" ("Happy shepherds"). The second aria is a slow and tender adagio that ends with the words "Dormi, dormi, o bel bambin" ("Sleep, sleep, o beautiful child"). The Cantata pastorale is a charming and delightful work that captures the sweetness and simplicity of the Christmas message.
Conclusion
Italian Baroque Christmas music is a treasure trove of musical gems that can enrich our appreciation and enjoyment of the festive season. The works of Vivaldi, Corelli, and Scarlatti are just some of the examples of how these composers used their musical genius to celebrate the mystery and beauty of the incarnation. Whether you listen to them in a concert hall, a church, or your own home, these works can inspire you with their joy, grace, and spirituality.
a104e7fe7e