Meine freunde!
Program Notes
Summit Chorale
Dr. Thomas Juneau, Artistic director
May 11, 2024
"Alleluja”
from Heut triumphieret Gottes Sohn, BuxWV 43
Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707)
Dietrich Buxtehude was a Danish organist and composer of the middle Baroque period and is considered one of the most important composers of the 17th century. His works are representative of the “north German organ school,” founded by Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck, a well-known transitionary Dutch composer. Buxtehude was employed in the same region as Johann Sebastian Bach, predating the master by a couple of decades. His music was a model for late Baroque masters including George Frederic Handel and Johann Sebastian Bach.
“Alleluja” from the Easter cantata Heut triumphieret Gottes Sohn clearly inspired Handel's compositional style, especially in his Coronation Anthems, which are still sung as part of the coronation service for monarchs in England.
Motet: Jesu meine Freude, BWV 227
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
JS Bach’s motet, Jesu, meine Freude represents the pinnacle of concerted choral composition and vocal counterpoint writing of the late Baroque period. Composed in 1723, Bach began his work as Kantor (choirmaster and music director) at the Thomasschule in Leipzig, Germany. A position of considerable importance, he was responsible for providing music for the city's main churches, including the Thomaskirche and the Nikolaikirche. It was during this time that he composed his great passions, oratorios, and motets.
This motet uses two primary forms: the chorale, which is concerted (embellished upon), and an intricate fugue, which is the centerpiece of the work. The chorale, or hymn tune, was originally composed by Johann Franck. The work is composed as a palindrome, consisting of eleven movements centered around the fugue. Each movement profoundly explores the text and is an elegant example of Bach’s integration of theology and music.
Verleih uns Frieden, WoO 5/MWV A 11
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-47)
Felix Mendelssohn was a German composer, pianist, organist, and conductor of the early Romantic period. Mendelssohn was born on February 3, 1809, in Hamburg, Germany, and died on November 4, 1847, in Leipzig, Germany. He was a child prodigy who showed exceptional musical talent from an early age. He composed prolifically in a variety of genres, including symphonies, concertos, chamber music, piano works, and choral music.
Some of Mendelssohn's most famous works include his "Violin Concerto in E minor," the overture to "A Midsummer Night's Dream," his "Italian Symphony," and his oratorio "Elijah." He was the key figure in reviving interest in the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, conducting a famous performance of Bach's "St. Matthew Passion" in 1829, which helped spark a Bach revival in the 19th century.
Mendelssohn's music is characterized by its lyricism, elegance, and craftsmanship. He had a profound influence on later composers and is regarded as one of the most important figures of the Romantic era in music.
"Verleih uns Frieden" (Grant us peace) is a sacred choral motet composed by Felix Mendelssohn. It is based on Martin Luther's German hymn text "Verleih uns Frieden gnädiglich" (Grant us peace graciously). Mendelssohn composed this motet in 1831 during a period of political unrest in Europe. The piece reflects Mendelssohn's deep religious faith and his desire for peace amidst turbulent times.
Mendelssohn's setting of "Verleih uns Frieden" is characterized by its simplicity, expressiveness, and harmonic richness. It is often performed by choirs as part of sacred choral repertoire, particularly in Protestant church settings. The text is a prayer for peace and protection, making it a poignant and timeless expression of hope and faith.
Et in Terra Pax
Thomas Juneau (b. 1977)
The text "Et in Terra Pax" translates from Latin to "And on Earth, peace." In this movement, Dr. Juneau sets the words with music that reflects the sentiment of peace. The music varies in character throughout the movement, from serene to joyful, conveying the idea of peace on Earth as expressed in the text.
Zigeunerlieder, Op. 103
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
The "Zigeunerlieder" (Folk Songs), Op. 103, is a set of eleven songs originally composed for vocal quartet (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) and piano by Johannes Brahms. Brahms wrote these songs between 1887 and 1888, basing them on Hungarian and Romanian Folk melodies. The texts are based on German translations of Hungarian folk poetry by Hugo Conrat. Brahms' fascination with the music of Hungary may also be seen in his Hungarian Dances, WoO 1.
Each of the lieder captures a different mood, from lively and rhythmic to melancholic and introspective, reflecting the diverse emotions associated with Gypsy life and culture. Brahms masterfully incorporates elements of folk music into his compositions while also showcasing his own unique harmonic and melodic language.