For many, the delight of the holiday season lies in the surprises that it brings: festive decorations, special foods, and of course, presents.
Laura Itzkowitz The Arcadian Chorale, under the direction of Marina Alexander, will bring to New Jersey audiences the gift of a musical first, singing the premiere of Georg Philipp Telemann’s cantata “Sing Together with Psalms and Songs of Joy,” a choral celebration for the New Year, performed only once in Europe recently since its composition 250 years ago.
Presented as part of “Baroque Bounty,” a program of holiday musical treasures, the premiere will take place Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Two River Theater, 21 Bridge Ave., Red Bank.
Alexander found the Telemann cantata by digging through various music libraries. When she read through the piece, she knew she had discovered something very special.
“It was like finding buried musical treasure,” she said. “At once, I knew this was a rare and exciting work.”
Compared favorably with Bach, Telemann produced an enormous amount of work, but much of his music is just now being published in modern editions. This joyous cantata reveals the innovative and delightful nature of his genius in musical flourishes that evoke the merriment of the holidays.
First performed in Frankfurt in 1719, “Sing Together with Psalms and Songs of Joy” is an exhortation to sing praises to the glory of God, combined with prayers of thanks and the wish for peace on earth.
According to Alexander, “Unlike most baroque cantatas which cater to soloists, here the chorus is the central character. Telemann supplies a wealth of beautiful motifs and even virtuoso figures that the chorus gets to sing, and the effect is spectacular.”
Alternating with the chorus are two arias, to be sung by soprano Laura Itzkowitz. “Preparing these arias has been both a challenge and a joy,” said Itzkowitz. “They are full of the ornate figurations typical of baroque music, yet Telemann succeeds in wedding works and music perfectly.”
The concert will also feature Purcell’s anthem, “O Sing Unto the Lord,” plus music of Schütz, Buxtehude and Handel’s “Hallelujah” chorus from “Messiah.” Accompaniments will be provided
by a chamber orchestra from the Staten Island Philharmonic.
Tickets for the performance are $22, $20 seniors, $12 students under 18.
For more information, visit the chorale’s Web site www.arcadianchorale.org or call (732) 583-4007. Tickets may also be purchased at the box office or by calling (732) 345-1400.
Founded in 1993 by Alexander, of Matawan, The Arcadian Chorale draws its membership from all of Monmouth County and beyond. As the Chorale has grown to 70 voices strong, it has established a reputation as a group dedicated to excellence in choral singing.