Upcoming Concert
A Dramatic Early Baroque Oratorio and a Twelve-Voice Mass
Crescendo Vocal Ensemble, Pablo Bustos – Jephte, and Christina Kay, soprano as Filia, and Douglas Williams, bass-baritone as Historicus, and Period Instrument Ensemble, directed by Christine Gevert.
The Italian composer Giacomo Carissimi – who continued Claudio Monteverdi’s legacy of dramatic vocal music – tells the story of a human tragedy in one of the first oratorios, “Jephte.” The Israelite general Jephte and his people celebrate a great military victory, and then sink into despair over the loss of Jephte’s beloved daughter.
Carissimi’s twelve-voice mass of the Early Baroque is based on the famous medieval folk tune “The Armed Man.” It is the last one of more than 40 masses composed on this tune over 170 years, and also the one with the largest cast.
Upcoming Concert Recording
Premiere: Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Recorded: March 2, 2024
Bach and Paganini Solo Violin Music
Two Giants of Solo Violin Music played by a contemporary virtuoso on period violin
Baroque violinist Edson Scheid, concertmaster of Crescendo’s Period Instrument Orchestra, offers a program with solo violin works by two titans: Johann Sebastian Bach and Nicolo Paganini. Both composers revolutionized solo violin repertoire, and hearing their works side by side in a program is an unusual treat.
Join the Watch Party on YouTube!
Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 7pm
Virtual Concerts On-Demand NOW
Crescendo At Home
Latest recordings:
Premiere: March 20, 2024 at 7pm
Recorded: March 2, 2024
Bach & Paganini – Solo Violin Music
Recorded: February 3, 2024
Optime Pastor – Early Polyphony for low voices from Ockeghem to Palestrina
Recorded: December 16, 2023
Carols for the Earth
Now you can watch Crescendo’s concerts at home at any time with our virtual concert portal – Crescendo at Home!
We want to keep choral and baroque music experiences alive not only during the pandemic, but also for your pleasure, comfort and for anyone who is not able to attend concerts in person.
Recorded in high quality audio by former Carnegie Hall engineer Leszek Wojcik, and filmed in high definition by Charlette Media Productions, we offer you an experience that is similar to being there in person. It even brings you closer to the performers than you ever would in a live concert.
Watch, and share with your family and friends! Subscribe to our e-Newsletter for news on upcoming Crescendo at Home programming.
SINGERS based in the Berkshires are invited to join Crescendo’s Ensembles: Crescendo Chorus, Crescendo Vocal Ensemble, Crescendo Young Artists Program. We have openings for both amateur and paid professional positions in all voice groups. A limited number of scholarships are available. We regularly perform in Lakeville, CT and Great Barrington, MA. Learn more, and schedule and audition by writing to: crescendo@crescendomusic.org
These concerts have been made possible in part with support from CT Humanities (CTH), with funding provided by the Connecticut State Department of Economic and Community Development/Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) from the Connecticut State Legislature.