Nagy

Mueller

Jurenas

Blumenstock

Reutter-Harrah

Stafford

Handel: Dixit Dominus
Vivaldi: Beatus vir
Bach: Concerto for Oboe d'amore in A Major BWV 1055
Vivaldi: Concerto for Viola d'amore in D Major RV 392

Debra Nagy oboe d'amore
Elizabeth Blumenstock viola d'amore
Kathryn Mueller soprano
Danielle Reutter-Harrah mezzo-soprano
Eric Jurenas countertenor (debut)
Robert Stafford baritone

with the American Bach Choir

ABS presents two glorious choral works for soloists, chorus, and orchestra by Handel and Vivaldi, two master composers whose names, after Bach, are synonymous with the best of baroque music. Both of these psalm settings were commissioned by distinguished patrons and represent the epitome of 18th-century Roman and Venetian traditions. Alongside these two exuberant works, concertos for instruments noted for their epithet name "d'amore" will be performed by ABS favorites Debra Nagy and Elizabeth Blumenstock. While the exact meaning and etymology of the term d'amore is somewhat uncertain, both the oboe d'amore and viola d'amore are known for their especially beautiful timbres. Mozart's father Leopold wrote that the viola d'amore "is a distinctive kind of instrument, which sounds especially charming in the stillness of the evening" … a beautiful sentiment for an evening of captivating music.

These performances are generously sponsored by
Jan Goldberg and The Estate of Philip Eisenberg.

The Davis performance is sponsored by
Jim and Jennifer Steelquist.