O. di Lasso, G. P. da Palestrina, T. L. de Victoria, W. Byrd, T. Tallis etc.
In this programme, we introduce sacred pieces by the most important composers of vocal polyphony across Europe. The show is based on hymns, antiphons and biblical texts set to music in the 16th century, which liturgically fall into the Advent period.
Cast: 12 singers, organ
Programme duration: 60 minutes
A. Reichenauer, G. Jacob, J. L. Oehlschlägel, A. C. Mentzel etc.
Rorates present a specific form of the morning Advent mass in honour of the Virgin Mary, typical for the Czech environment. That is why was the text of her entry antiphone “Rorate coeli desuper” popular with Czech composers, especially in the 18th century. In this programme we mainly present the works of less-known and rediscovered Czech Baroque composers.
Cast: 4/8/12 singers, 2 horns, 2 violins, cello, double bass, organ
Programme duration: 60 minutes
A. Michna, V. K. Hollan Rovenský, F. X Brixi, J. Schreier, J. J. Ryba etc.
Christmas pastorals by Czech countryside composers from 18th century, led by Jakub Jan Ryba, became a symbol of our Christmas. We complement them with charming songs from Czech Baroque hymn books and selected parts from Czech and Moravian pastoral masses.
Cast: 4 singers, 2 violas, violoncello, organ
Programme duration: 60 minutes
Czech Brethren hymn books of 15th and 16th century
The programme is named after Jiří Rychnovský’s four-voice song (1540-1615) and presents old Czech Reformation music. It was formed mainly in the Hussite and Czech Brethren hymnbooks, which record a gradual transition from medieval motets to vocal polyphony. We are selecting some songs from them with Advent a Christmas atmosphere.
Cast: 3 singers, flutes, lute
Programme duration: 60 minutes