Rochester Cathedral provides a suitably majestic setting for two inspiring pieces of classical church music in the Summer Concert by Rochester Choral Society. Haydn’s Harmoniemesse, written in 1802, was the 6th Mass composed for his wealthy patron, Prince Esterhazy. As his last major work, it demonstrates the fully developed skill of the composer in its confident contrasts of light and shade, grandeur and exhilarating momentum, and in the intricately interwoven parts for orchestra, vocal soloists and choir. Schubert’s 3rd Mass in B flat major, completed in 1815, is a shorter, more lyrical work which also shows great dramatic range. From the opening “Kyrie,” fanfare-like outbursts from brass and percussion are offset by passages of emotional intensity for choir and vocal soloists, reflecting the possibility that Haydn composed this work with a particular Viennese soprano romantically in mind... In this performance, vocal soloists will be:
Soprano – Alexandra Stevenson
Countertenor – Timothy Clifford Hill
Tenor – Clifford Lister
Bass – Alistair Bamford
Rochester Choral Society will be joined by the Rochester Sinfonietta, conducted by James Norrey.
