We began yesterday with our countdown to our 30th Anniversary Gala on November 17. During these days we are playing the complete Mass in B Minor of Bach from our 2014 performance. Yesterday’s piece was the opening movement of the three-part Kyrie section of the Mass. Here are the remaining two parts: the duet “Christe eleison” and the chorus “Kyrie eleison.”

The ”Christe eleison” (Christ, have mercy), is scored for soprano and alto soloists and strings, with all the violins in unison. The glowing confidence of this movement provides a wonderful contrast to the more serious outer Kyrie movements. Here Bach has no doubts that his savior will give mercy. The third and final “Kyrie eleison” movement is again for chorus and orchestra, but this time written in the antique musical style of Renaissance Netherlands composers. The voices, doubled by instruments, weave in and out expressively and with a flowing style similar to Palestrina or Lassus. – Dennis Keene

Join us for our 30th Anniversary Season.
VIRTUAL EVENTS. REAL INSPIRATION.

BACH “Christe eleison” and “Kyrie eleison” from Mass in B Minor

Voices of Ascension
Dennis Keene, Artistic Director

Dominique Labelle, soprano
Silvie Jensen, mezzo-soprano

Recorded live in concert on February 27, 2014, at Church of the Ascension
The singers in this performance are represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists, AFL-CIO.