Pie Jesu promises to be an exquisite afternoon of transcendent beauty in Christ Church on Castlemaine’s very own Agitation Hill. A relaxing and uplifting respite from a busy world, the concert will feature four opera singers along with two pianists and a chorus.
Ranging widely from Renaissance polyphony to 20th century pieces, the program will include Baroque, Classical and Romantic sacred music, too.
One of the fascinating musical juxtapositions in the concert is the two settings of the Latin text that gives the concert its name: Pie Jesu. Gabriel Fauré wrote his as part of his justly famous Requiem; Lili Boulanger wrote hers towards the end of her life, dictating it on her deathbed to her sister.
Another juxtapostion in the program is the ‘Benedictus’ movement of the mass set by brothers Michael and Joseph Haydn. Now much neglected, Michael was more famous than his older brother, and even Mozart, in his own lifetime. His music is delightfully graceful. Joseph’s setting, meanwhile, is as melodious and elegant as his music always is.
Speaking of Mozart, the concert will showcase two of his masterpieces, as well as much-loved pieces by Bach (‘Jesu, joy of man’s desiring), Handel, Rossini, Schubert and others.
Sunday August 11 at 2pm at Christ Church, Mostyn Street Castlemaine. Tickets available at the door or at www.trybooking.com/CTDXS
