Choral Music for Easter
Hastings Philharmonic Choir will perform a programme of beautiful choral masterpieces: Rossini’s Stabat Mater and Brahms’ Schicksalslied (‘Song of Destiny’),accompanied by the Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Marcio da Silva. The orchestra will also perform Beethoven’s Overture Coriolan. The soloists will be Rosemary Carlton-Willis (soprano), Sarah Denbee ( mezzo-soprano), Leonel Pinheiro (tenor ) and Edwin Kaye ( bass).
Gioachino Rossini (1792–1868) and Johannes Brahms (1833–1897) were two of the most influential composers of the 19th century, albeit working in very different musical traditions. Rossini was best known during his lifetime as an operatic composer, while Brahms established his reputation through symphonic, chamber and choral music, and their distinctive styles are well-represented by the two main works featured in this concert.
Rossini composed his setting of the 13th century hymn Stabat Mater, a reflection on Mary’s suffering at the crucifixion, between 1831 and 1841. Despite its sacred text, the Stabat Mater incorporates operatic vocal writing and dramatic contrasts characteristic of Rossini’s style.
Brahms’ Schicksalslied, Op. 54, composed in 1868–71, sets a poem by Friedrich Hölderlin. The text contrasts the peaceful existence of divine beings with the uncertainty and suffering of human life. Scored for chorus and orchestra, the work concludes with an instrumental epilogue.
Whether your preference is for the Italianate lyricism of Rossini’s consummate vocal writing, Brahms’ richly romantic harmonies and textures or the nervous energy of Beethoven’s overture, you’ll find something to delight you in this varied programme.
Concert at Christ Church, Silchester Road, St Leonards Saturday
14 March, 7.00pm. Tickets via hastingsphilchoir.org.uk or at
The Bookkeeper, 1A Kings Road, St Leonards, £22.50/£18/£13.50. Students, under 18s, JSA and universal credit recipients £5, or pay what you can/free
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