SACRED MUSIC FROM VENICE TO VIENNA…

Like his contemporary Vivaldi (1678-1741), Antonio Caldara (1670-1736) was born in Venice and died in Vienna. Both of them are considered as two of the most prolific composers of their time for vocal music; writing operas, profane cantatas, oratorios, and many religious masterpieces.

Caldara traveled widely: Rome, Madrid… In 1717, he was appointed second Kapellmeister by Emperor Charles VI in Vienna, where he remained until his death in December 1736. His religious compositions provide a wonderful synthesis of the different styles of his time: contrapuntal a cappella writing, Viennese traditional polychoral music (in the remarkable Crucifixus for 16 voices), contrasts between graceful melodies for soloists and powerful choruses (Missa dolorosa). All these qualities helped Caldara earn a timeless recognition: Haydn and Beethoven were great admirers of his work.

In this programme, Les éléments and Concerto Soave perform some of the most beautiful sacred pieces by Caldara in comparison to some Vivaldi music where the “Red Priest” introduced his inimitable concertante style.