At Classical MPR, we're dubbing April "Voices of Spring" month, as we celebrate the choral art — and there's a lot to celebrate. Earlier in the month, we aired the St. Matthew Passion and Messiah, and next week we'll welcome the Choir of St. Paul's Cathedral from London in what will be a special live concert and broadcast. It's also the anniversary of our online choral stream, and this week, we invite you to cast your vote for your favorite choral work — maybe even one that you'll hear on Morning Glories, as we explore how five composers have handled the choral medium.
Monday
Mozart: Solemn Vespers for Sunday
Music composed by Mozart in his early 20s, performed by the Choir of St. Paul's under the leadership of Andrew Carwood.
Tuesday
Argento: The Pond
Dominick Argento's music and Henry David Thoreau's words come together to create a memorable mood of contemplation.
Wednesday
Bach: Singet dem Herrn
This is the famous work that led Mozart to discover Bach. "Hardly had the choir sung a few measures when Mozart sat up, startled; a few measures more and he called out: 'What is this?' "
Thursday
Vaughan Williams: Serenade to Music
The words are by Shakespeare--whose birthday is traditionally celebrated on April 23.
Friday
Poulenc: Gloria
Not all choral classics come from the baroque or Classical periods. Poulenc's work was premiered in 1961, and has become a repertoire standard.
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