RNCM, 16-07-05 Cartmel Priory, 21-07-05 Santa Margharita and 23-07-05 Santo Stefano, Venice

Maestro’s Musings

Choosing a programme is no easy task, but even harder is choosing one that will travel from Manchester, to the Lakes and finally to Venice.

So, how did my choices come about? The easy part was to think Italian; it would be very remiss not to perform music from the wealth of repertoire left by the plethora of Italian composers.

I wanted a work to open each of the concerts that would grab the attention of the audience, and would be representative of the kind of concert on offer. It didn’t take me long to settle on the surprisingly still fresh and energetic setting of the Gloria by Vivaldi.

Both at Cartmel Priory and in the splendour of our Venetian venues, I wanted to have some a cappella music which would undoubtedly be enhanced by a naturally rich acoustic.

Music again by Italian composers Ludovico Viadana and Giovanni Pierluigi di Palestrina provided settings of Psalm 33 Exsultate justi and Psalm 81 Exsultate Deo, both energetic and vibrant in style.

In contrast I wanted something slower and more reflective, the Adoramus te, Christe provided exactly the contrast I was looking for, alongside the short, but moving Locus Iste by Bruckner.

Equally contrasting was the choice of music from a variety of well known composers and equally well known works. None of which need introduction, but each in their own way are timeless and representative of each composer.

Piano music by Bach and Liszt provide an opportunity to hear solo performances from our accompanist Lydia Bryan who has an innate ability to capture every nuance required of each piece.

I hope you enjoy our concert and that we have performed at least one piece which is either an old favourite for you, or maybe for some a new experience.