Description
CHRISTMAS CONCERT IN CARINTHIA
on 20.12.24 at 19h30
in the Konzerthaus Klagenfurt, Mittlerer Saal
CONCERT – PROGRAMM
Works by M. Praetorius, B. Strozzi and from the Goess lute tablatures, among others
1607 ensemble for early & new music
Maria Weiss, mezzo-soprano
Luca Pianca, lute
Shortly before Christmas, when the Chimney fire are crackling, the inspiring anticipation of Christmas Eve is in the air, the smell of gingerbread wafts from the bakeries, but hectic preparations often almost make us forget contemplation and peace, we invite you to a special Christmas concert: Familiar Christmas carols, festive and cheerful pieces from German and Italian music of the 16th and 17th centuries will enchant you and set the mood for the coming festive season.
The lutenist and conductor Luca Pianca, one of the leading exponents of Early Music today and co-founder of Il Giardino Armonico, combines historical accuracy with musical expressiveness and brilliant technique on the lute in his interpretations. Reviews praise the ‘clear, immaculately conducted mezzo-soprano’ of the internationally successful singer Maria Weiss. She was described as ‘a vocal and dramatic synthesis of the arts’ for her scenic interpretations.
As soloists and as a duo, Luca Pianca and Maria Weiss will take you on a journey through the Christmas musical literature of the 16th and 17th centuries with their singing and lute sounds. Works of early music from Carinthian archives will also be performed, making an important contribution to the vitality of these musical treasures and gems lying dormant in the archives.
Programme details:
Christmas carols such as Es ist ein Ros entsprungen and In dulci iubilo date back to the 14th century and are still an integral part of the Christmas repertoire today. Michael Praetorius (1571-1621), a key figure of his time, is, in addition to his impressive theoretical and liturgical works, particularly known for his contributions to Christmas music.
With him, we span the geographical and musical arc from 16th century Germany to 17th century Italy to Barbara Strozzi (1619-1677), one of the most prominent female composers of the 17th century, who asserted herself in a male-dominated musical world. In Sacri musicali affetti, Op. 5, Strozzi dedicates herself to the depiction of the Virgin Mary. These works demonstrate not only her musical brilliance, but also her extraordinary understanding of the human soul and religious symbolism.
The Christmas pieces will be alternated by Luca Pianca on the solo lute, including treasures from the Goess lute tablatures, a collection that is kept at Ebenthal Castle in Carinthia and is now an important part of the region’s musical heritage.
