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Seraphic Fire welcomes the celebrated guest conductor Ruben Valenzuela for a rare concert program highlighting music of the extraordinary composer Johann Schein.
The inimitable J.S. Bach was influenced by Johann Schein and literally followed in the occupational footsteps of this German Baroque composer and choirmaster. Valenzuela has chosen to bring Schein’s music to South Florida after experiencing its awe-inspiring performance at the Bach Festival in Leipzig.
Written in 1623, the composer’s The Fountains of Israel is a moving collection of madrigals written on biblical texts from the Lutheran Bible and performed at weddings or funerals. Schein was known for incorporating stylistic elements of Italian Baroque and fusing them beautifully into his German compositions.
Patrons will appreciate that yet another influencer, J.S. Bach’s older cousin Johann Christoph Bach, also is featured in the program with illustrative music that shows how the composer aligns the music expressively to the text. An interesting note is that J.S. Bach chose Lieber Herr Gott, wecke uns auf (Dear Lord God, Awaken Us) for his own funeral.
Feeling his end nearing, he composed an arrangement with double choir and wind and string instruments to accentuate this prayerful text anticipating life after death.
Accompanying this performance is John Lenti, one of the world’s greatest lute players and a specialist in music of the 17th Century.
He explains the significance of the lute in this music: “The basso continuo line reinforces the harmonies of the singers and adds richness and textural contrast; the clear attack of the plucked strings or strummed chords provides a rhythmic skeleton where the singers can inhabit.”
Conductor Valenzuela notes: “Rest assured, this is some of the best music you
ve never heard of — No. 1. And No. 2 — the artists are very excited about it. It’s not repertoire they get to do often, and they know it’s a great opportunity to share amazing music with their audience.”
The program:
Ich lasse dich nicht, BWV 1164 – Johann Sebastian Bach
The Fountains of Israel – Johann Schein
Mit Weinen hebt sichs an – Johann Christoph Bach
Der Mensch, vom Weibe geboren – J.C. Bach
Herr, nun lässest du deinen Diener – J.C. Bach
Lieber Herr Gott, wekke uns auf – J.C. Bach
Es ist nun aus mit meinem Leben – J.C Bach
Local Performances:
Wednesday, Mar. 20, 7:30 p.m., St. Sophia Greek Orthodox, 2401 SW Third Ave., Miami
Friday, Mar. 22, 7:30 p.m., St. Phillip’s Episcopal, 1121 Andalusia, Coral Gables
Sunday, Mar. 24, 4 p.m., All Souls Episcopal, 4025 Pine Tree Dr., Miami Beach
A Pre-Concert Conversation will be presented one hour prior to each performance by Brad Diamond.
Tickets and subscriptions are on sale now at SeraphicFire.org and by phone at 305-285-9060.
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