Description

At the turn of the 17th century, German composers were all seeking to return to the Italian source.<div> At the turn of the 17th century, German composers all sought to return to their Italian roots. Venice, with its sonic architecture and spatial audacity, the cori spezzati (speezzat choirs), and the triumph of polychorality radiated even into Lutheran territory. But the Thirty Years' War shattered this momentum. Their expression became more intimate: these were the kleine geistliche Konzerte (small spiritual concerts), heirs to the Italian motets for solo voice and continuo.</div><div><br></div><div> Structured like a grand ecumenical Lutheran vespers service, this program brings together the great German and Italian masters: Praetorius, Schütz, Scheidt, Monteverdi and Cavalli respond to each other in a play of echoes and alternations where polychorality becomes jubilation, vital overflow, sensual outpouring – a celebration of a fusion that shaped European music.</div><div><br></div>