Mozart's opera "The Marriage of Figaro," with its sparkling melodies, intricate plot, and lively characters, remains one of the most beloved works in the operatic repertoire. The overture, composed in 1786, serves as a captivating introduction to the drama and wit that unfold throughout the opera. With its brilliant orchestration and thematic richness, the overture encapsulates the essence of the opera's comedic and dramatic elements, setting the stage for the intrigue and hilarity that follow. The overture is structured in sonata form, a common classical form consisting of three main sections: exposition, development, and recapitulation. In the exposition, Mozart introduces the main themes that will be developed and elaborated upon later in the overture. These themes include the energetic and jovial motif associated with Figaro, the clever and mischievous character at the center of the opera, as well as the lyrical melodies that evoke the romantic entanglements of the story. The development section sees these themes undergo transformation and variation, showcasing Mozart's mastery of orchestration and thematic development. Finally, the recapitulation brings back the familiar themes in a triumphant and unified conclusion, signaling the imminent beginning of the opera itself. Mozart's overture is characterized by its vibrant orchestration, intricate counterpoint, and expressive melodies. The opening bars immediately grab the listener's attention with their bold and spirited fanfare, foreshadowing the lively and exuberant atmosphere of the opera to come. As the overture progresses, Mozart weaves together a tapestry of musical motifs, each representing a different character or aspect of the story. From the playful exchanges between Figaro and his beloved Susanna to the dramatic confrontations between Count Almaviva and his servants, the overture captures the full range of emotions and personalities that populate the opera. In addition to its musical richness, Mozart's overture is imbued with symbolism and imagery that reflect the themes and conflicts of the opera. The contrast between light and shadow represented musically through shifts in dynamics and orchestration, mirrors the moral ambiguities and social complexities of the characters' relationships. Likewise, the juxtaposition of major and minor keys conveys the tension between comedy and drama, highlighting the opera's blend of humor and pathos. Through these subtle musical gestures, Mozart invites the listener into the world of "The Marriage of Figaro," where love, jealousy, and forgiveness collide in a whirlwind of music and emotion. Mozart's "Marriage of Figaro Overture" stands as a masterpiece of the operatic repertoire, captivating audiences with its brilliance, wit, and emotional depth. From its spirited opening bars to its triumphant finale, the overture serves as a fitting prelude to the drama and spectacle of the opera itself, inviting listeners on a journey through the tangled web of love, desire, and deception. As the curtain rises on the stage, Mozart's music transports us to a world of passion and intrigue, where anything is possible in the pursuit of true love.

Composed in the final year of his life, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's "Ave Verum Corpus" is a short choral work revered for its sublime beauty and profound spirituality. Though modest in scale, this motet exemplifies Mozart's genius for crafting music of transcendent grace and emotional depth. Written for SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) choir with string accompaniment, "Ave Verum Corpus" is a meditation on the sacred text depicting the Eucharist, a central tenet of Christian liturgy. The simplicity and purity of "Ave Verum Corpus" lie in its melodic elegance and harmonic richness. Mozart's deft handling of vocal lines and delicate string accompaniment imbue the piece with a sense of serenity and reverence. The opening motif, a tender melody sung by the choir, sets the tone for the entire composition, evoking a mood of quiet contemplation and spiritual devotion. As the piece unfolds, Mozart weaves lush harmonies and contrapuntal textures, creating a luminous tapestry of sound that envelops the listener in a transcendent atmosphere. Despite its brevity, "Ave Verum Corpus" is replete with expressive nuances that speak to the profound emotional depth of Mozart's music. From the gentle swells of the choir's phrases to the ethereal interplay between voices and strings, every detail of the composition is infused with a sense of reverence and awe. The final cadence, with its poignant suspension and resolution, leaves a lingering sense of peace and transcendence, inviting listeners to reflect on the mysteries of faith and the eternal beauty of the divine. "Ave Verum Corpus" stands as a testament to Mozart's enduring legacy as one of the greatest composers of sacred music. Its timeless beauty and universal appeal have ensured its place in the choral repertoire, where it continues to be performed and cherished by choirs and audiences around the world. Through its exquisite craftsmanship and profound spirituality, "Ave Verum Corpus" remains a poignant reminder of the power of music to uplift the soul and touch the heart.

Ave verum corpus, natum
Hail, true Body, born

de Maria Virgine
of the Virgin Mary,

verum passum, immolatum
truly suffered, sacrificed

in cruce pro homine
on the cross for mankind

cuius latus perforatum
from whose pierced side

fluxit aqua et sanguine
flowed water and blood

esto nobis praegustatum
Be for us a foretaste [of the Heavenly banquet]

in mortis examine
in the trial of death

Mass of the Children" by John Rutter is a monumental choral work that intertwines the traditional text of the Latin Mass with the poetry of Thomas Ken and William Blake. Premiered in 2003, this composition showcases Rutter's masterful blend of classical choral writing with elements of folk music and contemporary harmonies. With its rich textures, lush melodies, and profound spirituality, "Mass of the Children" stands as a testament to Rutter's enduring legacy as one of the most celebrated composers of choral music in the 20th and 21st centuries. The Mass is divided into five main movements, following the structure of the traditional Catholic Mass: Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus and Benedictus, Agnus Dei, and Finale (Dona nobis pacem). Each movement features a combination of solo and choral singing, accompanied by a full orchestra and organ. Rutter's use of contrasting vocal and instrumental textures creates a dynamic and expressive musical narrative that unfolds with compelling intensity. One of the defining features of "Mass of the Children" is Rutter's seamless integration of diverse musical influences. Drawing inspiration from both classical and folk traditions, Rutter employs rich harmonies, soaring melodies, and rhythmic vitality to convey the emotional and spiritual depth of the text. The interplay between the adult choir, children's choir, and orchestra adds an extra dimension to the music, creating moments of breathtaking beauty and profound intimacy. From the plaintive plea of the Kyrie to the exuberant praise of the Gloria, each movement of the Mass is infused with its own distinctive mood and character. Rutter's sensitive handling of the text allows for moments of quiet introspection as well as moments of exultant celebration. Whether in the ethereal harmonies of the Sanctus or the stirring melodies of the Agnus Dei, Rutter's music speaks to the universal human experience of longing, hope, and redemption. Since its premiere, "Mass of the Children" has become one of John Rutter's most performed and beloved compositions. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its accessibility, versatility, and profound emotional impact. By seamlessly blending elements of classical and contemporary music, Rutter has created a work that resonates with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, transcending cultural and religious boundaries. The work stands as a towering achievement in the realm of choral music, showcasing John Rutter's exceptional gifts as a composer and arranger. Through its soaring melodies, lush harmonies, and profound spirituality, this Mass speaks to the enduring power of music to uplift the human spirit and unite communities in shared moments of beauty and grace. As listeners are swept away by the transcendent beauty of Rutter's music, they are reminded of the timeless truths and eternal mysteries that bind us together as one human family.

1. Kyrie

Children:

Awake my soul, and with the sun
Thy daily stage of duty run;
Shake off dull sloth, and joyful rise
To pay thy morning sacrifice.

Redeem thy mis-spent time that's past,
Live this day as if 'twere thy last:
Improve thy talent with due care;
For the great Day thyself prepare. (Thomas Ken, 1637-1711)

Adults (then children and soloists):
Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie eleison.

2. Gloria

Children, then adults:
Gloria in excelsis Deo, et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis.

Children: Glory be to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth.

Adults: Laudamus te, benedicimus te, adoramus te.

Gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam.

Soloists: Domine Deus, Rex caelestis, Deus Pater omnipotens.
Domine Fili unigenite, Jesu Christe.
Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris,
Qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.
Qui tollis peccata mundi, suscipe deprecationem nostram.
Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris, miserere nobis.

Adults: Quoniam Tu solus sanctus, Tu solus Dominus, Tu solus Altissimus,
Jesu Christe, Cum Sancto Spiritu in gloria Dei Patris. Amen.

3. Sanctus and Benedictus

Adults: Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth, Hosanna!
Pleni sunt caeli et terra gloria tua.
Hosanna in excelsis.
Children, then adults and soloists:
Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini. Hosanna!

4. Agnus Dei

Adults: Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.

Children: Little lamb, who made thee
Dost thou know who made thee?

Gave thee life and bid thee feed, By the stream and o'er the mead;

Gave thee clothing of delight,
Softest clothing, woolly bright;

Gave thee such a tender voice,
Making all the vales rejoice:

Little lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?

Adults and children: Little lamb, I'll tell thee;
Little lamb, I'll tell thee:
He is called by thy name,

For he calls himself a Lamb:
He is meek and he is mild,

He became a little child:
I a child and thou a lamb,

We are called by his name.
Little lamb, God bless thee.

Little lamb, God bless thee.
(William Blake, 1757-1827)

Adults: Miserere nobis.

5. Finale

Baritone soloist:
Lord, open thou mine eyes that I may see thee;

Lord, open thou my lips that I may praise thee;

Lord, open thou my heart that I may love thee,

Serve thee with joy, fear none above thee.

Christ be my sword and shield, my strong defender;

Christ be my light and my Redeemer.

Lord, be with me this day in each endeavour;

Lord, keep my soul with thee now and for ever.

(John Rutter, based on Lancelot Andrewes, 1555-1626)

Adults: Dona nobis pacem.

Soprano soloist: Christ, be my guide today, my guide tomorrow;

Christ in my days of joy, my days of sorrow;

Christ in the silent hours when I lie sleeping,

Safe in his holy angels' keeping.

Christ be within the hearts of all who love me;

Christ all around, and Christ above me.

Christ in my thought and prayer and my confessing;

Christ, when I go to rest, grant me your blessing.

(John Rutter, based on St Patrick's Breastplate, 5th cent.)

Adults: Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, dona nobis pacem.

Children, at the same time:

Glory to thee, my God, this night

For all the blessings of the light;

Keep me, O keep me, King of kings,

Beneath thy own almighty wings.

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,

Praise him, all creatures here below,

Praise him above, ye heavenly host,

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

(Thomas Ken)

All:

Dona nobis pacem.