2010 - 2011
36th Season
I. MEDIEVAL MOSAIC - Martyrs, Meccas, Motets & Muses
Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Amsterdam Avenue at 112th Street
EARLY MUSIC NEW YORK (EM/NY) embarks on a musical pilgrimage to major European religious and cultural destinations - cathedrals, monasteries & abbeys of Paris, Compostela, Canterbury, Limoges, Monserrat, Assisi - stopping at major centers of learning where ungodly vagabond goliards commingle with pious & learned monks.
A legacy of illuminated manuscripts - Carmina Burana, Llibre Vermell, conducti from the scriptoriae of Notre Dame & St. Martial, devotional laude of lay singing societies inspired by the teachings St. Francis, along with foot stomping istanpittas (dances) - are brought to light and life in Gotham's own glorious, gothic Cathedral.
II. CHRISTMAS QUILT - Colonial Fuguing Tunes, Jigs & Reels
Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Amsterdam Avenue at 112th Street
As Artist-in-Residence, EM/NY's holiday events at the festooned Cathedral of Saint John the Divine are a 'sold-out' tradition. This season, Frederick Renz presents stirring 18th-century, New England shape-note anthems and hymns heartily sung by his men's vocal ensemble, generously spiked with English country dance tunes played by a lively band of fiddle, flute, bass and baroque.
This thoroughly engaging program was recorded on compact disc in association with The Metropolitan Museum of Art and complements EM/NY's compendium of holiday CD titles of medieval, Renaissance, baroque, Dutch and Bohemian repertoire on the Ex cathedra Records label.
III. BAROQUE BANQUET - Chefs-d'oeuvre du jour
St. James' Church, Madison Avenue at 71st Street
Conducted by Frederick Renz, EM/NY's Orchestra of Original Instruments offers a sumptuous musical menu, paying homage to the celebrated masters Bach, Handel, Telemann and Vivaldi. Setting aside his taste for championing lesser-known 17th- and 18th-century orchestral bon bons, this season, maestro Renz concentrates on definitive orchestra works by undisputed masters - a feast of solo concerti and concerti grossi, cantatas and suites (including Georg Philipp Telemann's celebrated "Tafelmusik").
In anticipation of spring, hear and see this splendid orchestra - live - enhanced by the ideal acoustical and visual ambience of St. James' Church.
IV. CLASSICAL KALEIDOSCOPE - Form & Fashion in an Enlightened Era
St. James' Church, Madison Avenue at 71st Street
Maestro Renz turns to the world of latter 18th-century giants, Haydn and Mozart - 'Sturm und Drang' symphonies composed for the Prince of Esterházy and delectable divertimenti heard in the courts of Salzburg and Vienna.
Austrian confections will be counterbalanced with renowned 'Mannheim' compositions. Under the dynamic leadership of Johann Stamitz, the Mannheim orchestra was hailed throughout Europe for the new, daring dynamic effect - a dramatic sudden crescendo - a 'rackete' or 'rolle' (not to be confused with the new music group and namesake, "Mannheim Steamroller"). Celebrate Mother's Day Eve by joining EM/NY for its season closer.