Masterworks IV, Mozart and More

The 120-voice Colorado Springs Chorale, under the direction of Donald P. Jenkins, will present Masterworks IV, Mozart and More, with full orchestra, at the Pikes Peak Center on Sat, Mar 18th, at 8 pm.

The Chorale will offer four classic Masterworks, ranging from secular to sacred, from despairing to affirmative, each a distinctive masterpiece second to none in its perfection, by four well-known composers. These works are selected for their relationship to one another, and their progressive movement from tempest and tragedy to transformation and understanding.

Highlighting the program is Mozart’s Grand Mass in C Minor, offered in celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the great composer’s birth. Mozart’s Mass is a festive and majestic work he created to celebrate his wedding in August, 1782. While the Mass remains incomplete, the work nevertheless exists musically as a complete and satisfying whole, ending with an impressive and irrepressible double chorus (two separate choirs) singing a resounding “Osanna!” According to Mr. Jenkins, only J.S. Bach’s Mass in B Minor and Beethoven’s Missa Solemness rival Mozart’s Grand Mass for the profound joy of the musical, textual, and spiritual understanding.

Haydn’s Der Sturm, (The Storm, The Tempest), is a vivid description of a terrifying storm followed by an intimate plea for calm. It depicts nature’s extreme wildness, while ending with a lovely “deliverance.”

Brahms’ Schicksalslied (Fate’s Song, Destiny’s Song), presents “the gods’” Fate as sheltered, contented in eternal light and ease, while humanity’s Fate is turmoil and, at the last, to be thrown into the Abyss of the Unknown.

Vaughan Williams’ Serenade to Music, on a text from Shakespeare’s, The Merchant of Venice, is a luxurious depiction of “nature” as metaphor for music’s transcendence apparent in its “touches of sweet harmony”, as well as the discovery that “such harmony is in immortal souls.” The work closes as it began with a tranquil evocation of serenity and peace – low voices embraced by gentle strings.

Guest soloists of regional renown are Judeth Shay Burns and Lori Bammesberger, sopranos; while the Chorale’s own Edward Noble, tenor, and Richard Lays, bass, complete the lead ensemble.

Ticket prices range from $15 to $35, with two dollar per ticket discounts for seniors, military, students and accompanied children. Four dollar per ticket group discounts for groups of ten or more are available for selected seating areas, along with the same discounts plus two free additional tickets for groups of twenty or more. “It-Takes-Five” student discounts are also honored.

Tickets may be purchased at the Pikes Peak Center Box Office, 719 520 SHOW (7469), at all Tickets West outlets, or www.ticketswest.com

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