Platinum Consort Chamber Weekender: Viadana's Missa defunctorum

Ludovico Grossi da Viadana (1560–1627) was an Italian composer and Franciscan friar. Viadana was a pivotal figure in the transition from the renaissance to the baroque era. He is renowned for his innovative use of basso continuo and figured bass, marking a departure from prevailing compositional practices. Viadana's most notable work is the Centro Musicale, a collection of sacred music. He held positions in Mantua, Concordia, Fano and Gualtieri. Set for five voices, Viadana's Missa defunctorum demonstrates a profound sensitivity to the text of the Requiem. He employs expressive polyphony and harmonic richness which help to convey the emotional weight of mourning and the hope for everlasting life. The perfectly formed counterpoint creates a sense that the music has neither beginning nor end.

Join us to bring this ancient and beautiful Requiem to life with a group of likeminded singers in the reverent surroundings of St Barnabas.

Chamber Weekender: 18th-20th October 2024

Who is the Chamber Weekender for? The short answer is: those who are natural leaders in their sections.

This weekend is designed to challenge and stimulate experienced choral singers in a chamber setting. That said, we welcome those who haven't sung the repertoire before. We work quickly with only limited note bashing, and we will be keeping the group chamber-sized, so we expect you to prepare music in advance or be a proficient sight-reader. There are excellent rehearsal files, such as John Fletcher's, which can aid your learning – so please do make the most of those.