Voices of Connection: 11/11 Bach: “Qui sedes,” “Quoniam,” and “Cum Sancto Spiritu” from Mass in B Minor
Today we have the final three movements of the first half of the Mass in B Minor. The aria “Qui sedes” features contralto and oboe d’amore soloists. The oboe d’amore is a lower-pitched, sweet, rounder-toned relative of the modern orchestral oboe. Its beautiful sonority, and that of the alto, are a perfect combination for this slow dance movement. The final two movements are done without break. The “Quoniam” aria is totally unique in all musical literature in that it is scored for bass vocal soloist, horn soloist, two bassoons, and all other bass instruments (in our case, cello, bass and organ). As the bass sings “for Thou art alone Holy” the music sounds positively regal. This movement never really ends but suddenly explodes into the most virtuosic movement of the whole Mass, the exciting “Cum Sancto Spiritu,” one of the most exciting choruses ever composed!
– Dennis Keene
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BACH “Qui sedes,” “Quoniam,” and “Cum Sancto Spiritu” from Mass in B Minor
Voices of Ascension
Dennis Keene, Artistic Director
Silvie Jensen, mezzo-soprano
Dashon Burton, bass-baritone
Diane Lesser, oboe d’amore
Lawrence DiBello, french horn
Charles McCracken, bassoon
Erik Holtje, bassoon
Daire Fitzgerald, cello
Brian Cassier, bass
Mark Kruczek, organ
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.