In these difficult and turbulent political times, it is apt that Guildford Choral is presenting a concert that brings together music from across Europe. Handel was born in Germany, honed his craft in Italy and spent most of his musical life in England; Mozart, who from his birthplace in Austria dazzled all the courts of Europe, including visits to England; and Jonathan Willcocks, whose music is undeniably English but with Lux perpetua focuses on the mindless destruction of the great European War.
Handel’s Zadok the Priest, one of the most dramatic and celebrated musical fanfares, opens the concert. Lux Perpetua (subtitled ‘Peace and Unity’) uses for its text words from the Latin Requiem Mass and biblical excerpts, prayers from Hindu and Buddhist traditions and poetry – with the central heart of the work being a setting of Siegfried Sassoon’s impassioned war poem ‘Attack’.
The most substantial work in the concert, Mozart’s Mass in C minor, is one of the truly great choral masterpieces of the classical period. Written at the height of the composer’s powers when he had assimilated all the musical influences that 18th century Vienna had to offer, it combines vocal brilliance for four solo voices with choral music of the greatest profundity and emotional power.
Guildford Choral is very excited to be the first choir to present a concert from the west end of the Cathedral, which we very much hope will improve the acoustics for our audience.