Term 1, 2004

Our Mozart - Bruckner Concert, May 15

Our 15 May concert marks the debut of the Sydney University Graduate Chamber Choir. Formed from within the full Choir, this new (auditioned) body is designed to add to our flexibility and overall performance capacity. It will sing semi-chorus sections of larger works, and will from time to time perform works on concert programs where the full Choir is top of the bill. The Bruckner motet, Ecce Sacerdos Magnus, in the May 15 Concert is such a work. Two of the movements of the Bruckner Requiem will be sung as "semi choruses" by the new Chamber Choir.

Bruckner Requiem

The Requiem in D minor is Anton Bruckner's earliest major work (composed at age 24 in 1848 and performed in 1849). According to Derek Watson The Master Musician Bruckner this rarely heard but expressive and moving work was "a landmark in his creative career and his first truly notable large work". Written before he fell under the spell of Wagner and embarked on the series of symphonies for which he is famous, it nevertheless reveals that he had already found an individual voice and developed a substantial mastery of harmony and counterpoint.

From the same period of Bruckner’s early life, when he was working as a musician and teacher at the great Augustinian monastery, St Florian, come the two Aequale for Three Trombones, written to be played at the gate of the institution during burials. As a contrast, the program also includes the motet, Ecce Sacerdos Magnus, for Choir, three Trombones and Organ. Although only short, this work, dating from Bruckner’s maturity (1885), is immediately recognisable as coming from the pen of the composer of the great series of symphonies and the famous Te Deum, which dates from the year before.

See A Tribute to Anton Bruckner for more about this work and his life.

Mozart Vespers

Mozart was also 24 years old when he wrote "Vesperae solennes de confessore", K. 339 (literally, "Solemn Vespers for a Confessor"). But unlike Bruckner who was just starting on his long and arduous apprenticeship as a composer, Mozart was already at the height of his powers. This brilliant and magical work includes one of his most popular hits, the ethereal Laudate Dominum movement for soprano soloist and choir.