A Vespers Meditation

Magnificats and Motets

Friday 12 September 2003, 9.30pm

Wellington Cathedral of St Paul
Cnr Molesworth and Hill St
Wellington

Orlande de Lassus 1532?-1594 Alfonso Ferrabosco the Elder 1543-1588

The evening tradition of Vespers as we know it today is one of the oldest of the Catholic church, dating back to the sixth century. This late evening concert in the ethereal acoustic of Wellington Cathedral intertwines polyphonic works suitable for Vespers by Ferrabosco and Lassus alongside plainsong psalms and hymns, and includes premiere New Zealand performances of two spectacular works by Lassus: the mighty six part Magnificat Praeter Rerum Seriem and the touching Stabat Mater for two solo quartets, one of upper voices and one of lower voices.

Programme

Deus in adjutorium meum intende: plainsong (solemn tone)
Inclina Domine: Ferrabosco
Psalm 110: Confitebor tibi Domine in toto corede meo: plainsong
Psalmus Poenitentialis: VI: De Profundis: Lassus
Hymn: Vexilla Regis prodeunt: plainsong
Antiphon: Abraham pater vester: plainsong
Magnificat Praeter Rerum Seriem: Lassus
In monte Oliveti: Lassus
In monte Oliveti: Ferrabosco
Hymn: Te lucis ante terminum: plainsong
Stabat Mater: Lassus
Loquebantur variis linguis: Thomas Tallis 1505? - 1585

Immediately followed by a short sample of competition repertoire for the 35th International Tolosa Choral Competition: pieces by Gesualdo, Howells, Janequin.

The Tudor Consort appeared courtesy of The Wellington Cathedral Festival of Music and Arts 2003

This concert was part of the 2003 Subscription Series.