A Joyful Noyse, an early music ensemble in residence at Hancock Church, celebrates the music of German composer Dietrich Buxtehude this Saturdaywith a program titled From Advent to Christmas. At turns upbeat and meditative, this beautiful music from the 17th century will take the audience on a journey through the advent season of preparation to the joy of Christmas and wish us all a happy new year. The program is part of the Hancock Concert Series and takes place on Saturdayevening at 7:30 p.m. at Hancock Church in Lexington.
Dietrich Buxtehude (ca. 1637-1707) was famous as a composer and performer of organ music spread throughout Germany and beyond. The list of prominent musicians who came to hear and learn from him included Handel, Telemann and J.S. Bach. The then 20 year old Bach made the 260 mile journey from Arnstadt, reportedly on foot, and overstayed his leave by three months, earning the anger and disapproval of his employers. Although Buxtehude’s organ music is widely performed and recognized as masterful, his vocal/instrumental works are much less known and performed. This concert’s intent is to present the many glorious facets of Buxtehude’s compositions. The warmth and religious fervor of his text setting for vocalists and chamber ensemble, the power and grandeur of his works for large ensembles, the inventiveness and gift for counterpoint in his works for string ensemble, and of course his works for organ, will help us to understand his immense mastery as a musician and composer. We will hear works for organ, vocal soloists, chamber ensemble, and two large works for chorus or orchestra.
Directed by Martins Aldins, A Joyful Noyse is an early music ensemble in residence at Hancock Church, Lexington, MA, dedicated to the research and performance of 16th through 18th century liturgical music. The ensemble of professional and talented amateur musicians provides service music approximately six times a year. In addition, the ensemble provides instrumental and vocal support for the Chancel Choir and gives several sacred and secular concerts each season. Past sacred performances have included Buxtehude’s Passion cycle Membra Jesu Nostri, A Lenten Vespers from Salzburg, Charpentier’s Messe di Minuit, Andre Campra’s Messe de Requiem, Voices of Angels - how angels were depicted in the music of the baroque, and a joint concert with the Tufts University Chamber Singers which featured Schutz’s Weihnachts-historie.
The concert will take place at Hancock Church, 1912 Massachusetts Ave, on the Battle Green in Lexington. Admission is by suggested donation of $10-25, proceeds of which support the music programs of the church. Free parking is available in the parking lot in the rear of the church. The church is fully handicap accessible. More information can be found at www.hancockchurch.org
The post A Joyful Noyse Concert, 12/19, 7:30 pm Press Release appeared first on Hancock United Church of Christ, Congregational.