Major choral works performed Nov. 27

The Appalachian Chorale will perform Vivaldi’s “Gloria” Nov. 27 at Appalachian State University.

The performance begins at 8 p.m. in Broyhill Music Center’s Rosen Concert Hall. Admission is free.
Other choral works on the program are Handel’s “Chandos Anthem No. 4 in F major,” also known as “O Sing unto the Lord,” and part one of Franz Schubert’s “Magnificat.”

The 64-member chorale will be led by the group’s new director, Dr. Linda Larson. Organist Dr. Joby Bell serves as accompanist and will be featured in the Handel composition. Student guest soloists are Alicia Colvard, Abby Johnson, Steven Austin, Paulina Villarreal and Liz Chapa. Larson and Bell are assisted by graduate student Christopher Langdon. The Vivaldi piece includes faculty member Dr. Alicia Chapman as oboe soloist, as well as a small instrumental ensemble of students.

Handel wrote a total of 11 “Chandos Anthems” between 1717 and 1718, when he was residing at the estate of the Duke of Chandos. One of the wealthiest men in England, the duke hired architects and artists, including Handel, to enhance his estate.

Based on Psalm 96, “O Sing unto the Lord” is a compact work, which has a musical vocabulary reminiscent of Handel’s great holiday favorite, “Messiah.” It also has what’s hailed as one of the most beautiful soprano-tenor duets ever written.

Vivaldi composed “Gloria” around 1715 for the Pio Ospedale della Pietà, an orphanage known for its musical education, choir and orchestra. Vivaldi was the violin master at the orphanage and composed many works for its orchestra and chorus.

This is the more performed of the two “Glorias” that Vivaldi composed at around the same time; in fact, with the Handel “Messiah” and the Bach “Magnificat,” it is one of the most performed choral masterworks during the holidays.

The Appalachian Chorale is a non-auditioned group open to all students and community members who are interested in performing choral masterworks. New members are welcome. Rehearsals, which are held on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Broyhill Music Center on the ASU campus, will begin on Jan. 14 for the spring 2013 semester. For more information, contact the Hayes School of Music at (828) 262-3020.