#vivaldi sacred music playing in the background

[th3-0bjectivist]

Dear listener, I turned on my car radio for about five hours on a long drive this week and found myself suffering and appalled through the advert-heavy and song-lite nature of it all. Seriously, this is what passes for radio programming these days? The ninety-nine and one-half trillionth T-Swift breakup ballad? Pop-country tunes that manage to all sound the EXACT same as the previous pop-country tune?? Radio rock stations featuring tunes with less balls than a castrati troupe!? Modern hip-hop/rap music that all sounds roughly equivalent to setting up a lawncare sprinkler system in my car only without the water!!? Nine-to-ten agonizing commercials in a row before you get to the commercial-free hour, only to be then reminded between each individual song that it’s the commercial free music hour!!??!?!!?? I flipped from station to station hoping for some form of alleviation, for SOME hope that music is still alive and well on the radio in 2023. Y’know what I found out? The absolute BEST music programming on modern radio is based on tunes created around two to three centuries ago. That’s right folks! The best radio station I came across was a classical one. The classical radio deejay was informative, his voice was soft and pleasant, there were minimal commercials and the musical interludes lasted forty-five minutes at a stretch until the next commercial break. Inspired by this, until the end of 2023, I’ll be posting 3 classical tune sets (Bach, Vivaldi, and Brahms) starting with my personal favorite German musician of all-time, Johann Sebastian Bach.

Generally regarded as one of the greatest composers in the history of Western culture, this man was truly fit for the title ‘Master of Composition’. Starting off as a mega-talented organ player and violinist, Bach had a distinct flair for blending widely varying instruments and regional musical styles, regularly synthesizing multifarious sound techniques to make a noise ain’t nobody on Earth had heard before. Having been employed by local churches early on, Bach began composing his own ‘sacred music’ (see also ‘church music’) and being something of a musical jack-of-all-trades engaged in his own ‘non-secular’ works which did not jive with very simply defined and rigid church traditions. Having a penchant for engineering complex and experimental arrangements, Bach developed a special talent for weaving melodic lines and immensely complex interdependent harmonies together to provide compositional structures that were simply second to NONE in the early 1700’s and even up to this very day. His concertos for orchestras, sonatas, suites, cantatas, keyboard works, choral works and organ works really are the stuff of legend which is why they are hailed up to the current day! I could go on endlessly about his accolades, but instead I’ll just leave you with the following final thought. Some of Bach’s individual works are like observing an incredibly detailed drawing or painting, except with audio. If you concentrate enough on a single piece, you’ll very clearly hear the overlapping elements, the solid lines accompanied by the abstract rudiments floating softly in the background and be moved emotionally by the very physics of the harmonic motions. It’s not just the melodic nature of the man’s tunes, but also the harmony that accompanies them. Smash play and enjoy a variation of Cantata BWV 147: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring and experience for yourself why people like Bach were truly the rock stars of their era. And if you want more, like way more, click just below for The Best of Bach and enjoy!

He also married his own cousin, had 20 children through separate wives, and died after eye surgery in 1750. I like to separate the art from the artist on my blog. Nobody’s perfect, it was different times back then with vastly inferior social and medical standards at play. I don’t judge too harshly. I mean, he was so talented that Duke Wilhelm had him imprisoned after Bach simply tried to leave the Duke’s royal court to find a better gig. He did something that the vast majority of modern musicians just can’t seem to be bothered to do… innovate (to simplify that word for modern musicians, it means creating brand NEW stuff that no one has heard of or tried before, you’re welcome…)! And for that reason, he has more than earned his placed in the annals of human history as one, if not the greatest composer, and my personal favorite classical composer of all time. Image source: https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/history-and-civilisation/2019/07/how-bachs-anatomy-may-have-handed-him-greatness

[noirandchocolate]

Happy 345th Birthday to Antonio Vivaldi! (March 4, 1678-July 28, 1741) Antonio Lucio Vivaldi was born in Venice on the same day an earthquake shook the canal city, and as a newborn was so weak his family was sure he wouldn’t live long. But live he did, and at age 25, he was ordained in the Catholic Church. Thereafter he was often called “il Prete Rosso” (“the red priest”) after the red hair he inherited from his father (who was also a composer, and published an opera under the name “Giovanni Battista Rossi”). Vivaldi had poor health attributed to what we now understand as a form of asthma his entire life, but that didn’t prevent him from becoming a virtuoso violinist, music teacher and choir conductor to orphaned girls at Venice’s Ospidale della Pietà, and very prolific composer. (It did, however, earn him special dispensation from conducting Mass.) Though best known for his collection of concerti “The Four Seasons,” Vivaldi composed more than 500 other concerti for a wide variety of instruments, a large number of sacred choral pieces, sinfonias, 90 sonatas, chamber music, and 46 operas. After dedicating his Opus 9 to Charles VI of the Habsberg Empire, Vivaldi was even made a knight by the Holy Roman Emperor.

Vivaldi died at age 63 in Vienna after a musical career with many ups and downs. He is now one of the most well-known composers of the Baroque era, and his innovative approach to concerti in particular also inspired later famous composers like Johann Sebastian Bach.

(Source)

But enough with the biographical details--you're here for the music, aren't you?

Well you are in luck because here is a Youtube playlist I've made of some of the Red Priest's greatest hits! It's hours long and great for background listening. It even includes a video of part of the "Winter" concerto being played on a Stradivarius (the legendary violin maker was a contemporary of Vivaldi's)! Please enjoy!

Or, if you'd just like to listen to the Four Seasons, which takes only about 42 minutes, here you go.

Spring= 00:00 Summer = 10:31 Autumn = 20:59 Winter = 32:48

Now go forth and enjoy ANTONIO LUCIO VIVALDI this March 4, everyone!

[naturecoaster]

Saint Leo University’s Spring Concerts to Feature ‘Requiem’ and Other Works

- The concerts to be held at Holy Name Monastery and Saint Leo Abbey Church. - While the concerts are free, donations will benefit the university’s music programs. - Faure's much-loved setting of the Requiem Mass is a powerful affirmation of eternal life after death. Saint Leo University’s Spring Concerts to Feature ‘Requiem’ and Other Works at 4, 7 p.m., April 3 The community is invited to Saint Leo University’s spring concerts featuring Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem and other works at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 3. Faure’s Requiem owes its roots to the Christian faith and was written for choir and orchestra. It often is performed in Catholic churches. The Requiem features a shorter text version of funeral rite and the Catholic Mass for the Dead in Latin, which was used prior to the Second Vatican Council. It is fitting that the Saint Leo University performances of Fauré’s Requiem will take place in sacred spaces: The 4 p.m. concert will be at the Benedictine Sisters of Florida’s chapel at Holy Name Monastery, 12138 Wichers Road, St. Leo, FL 33574. The monastery is across from the university, off of County Road 52. The 7 p.m. concert will be held at the Saint Leo Abbey Church, 33601 County Road 52, St. Leo, FL 33574. Parking is available in the university parking lots.  The concert will feature the Saint Leo Chamber Singers performing the Requiem and some guest instrumentalists also have been invited to play. The Saint Leo Singers (all women) will perform two Psalm settings. The String Ensemble will perform shorter pieces (Ave Verum, Mozart, and Spring, Vivaldi), and the Jazz Ensemble is performing an original student arrangement by music major Cameron McLaughlin. Saint Leo’s spring concerts are free and open to the public, but donations to the Saint Leo Music Program are appreciated. Donations may be made at https://www.onthestage.tickets/saint-leo-university/campaigns/music-and-arts-fundraiser-3183. Faure's much-loved setting of the Requiem Mass is a powerful affirmation of eternal life after death. The university’s performances of it is in honor of the many lives lost in the Middle East and Ukraine this year in addition to beloved family members of those in our Saint Leo community: the father of Dr. Heather R. Parker, dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services; the husband of Dr. Cynthia Selph, associate professor of music and music ministry and director of the Music Department; and the father of Chris Romeo, voice instructor. For more information, contact Dr. Chantelle MacPhee, chair of Language Studies and the Arts, chantelle.macphee@saintleo.edu. About Saint Leo University Saint Leo University is a Catholic Benedictine university dedicated to helping learners of all backgrounds and ages gain the competence and courage to be more. Offering 57 degree programs to more than 14,190 students each year, the nonprofit university is known for providing a values-based education in the liberal arts tradition and a community of belonging for those who seek a greater purpose in life. Saint Leo is regionally accredited and offers a campus in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, regional education centers, and several online programs. The university is home to more than 104,000 alumni. Learn more at saintleo.edu. Read the full article

[dopepoisonivyoncrack]

I'm like a quincy nun, writing sacred texts on beautifully ornated manuscript pages

[rediatephrem]

Post #5

1. Bach was by nature singularly retiring and unobtrusive. He dreaded any diversion from a severe and exclusive art-life. All of her focus and energy was centralized on this. He was also competitive which is characteristic of robust and energetic people like himself. 

2. At the age of 18, Bach is a court musician at Weimar where he becomes an organist and director of concerts. Before this, he had made himself a master of the Italian composers of sacred music (Palestrina, Lotti, Vivaldi, and more). It was at this point that Germany was beginning to experience the renaissance. 

3. According to the Bach had 2 wives and 10 children. 

4. 2 of his sons became leaders in the music, while 2 others showed substantial musical talent. 

5. The only musical people in my family are my brother and I. My brother plays the saxophone and guitar, while I sing. 

6. The tonality is minor because it is sad sounding.

7. The words start out talking about how personal sin caused Jesus to suffer then it moves into telling Jesus to rest in bliss and peace after the suffering. At around 3:19, the piece becomes much more animated, energetic, and upbeat. 

8. According to the dictionary, an oratorio is a piece of music for voice and/or orchestra that is based on a religious story, usually the Bible. 

9. I really like this rendition. I thought it got its point across of telling a story, although I thought the words were a bit repetitive. I specifically enjoyed the balance between the soloists and the choir in the background. I liked the constance of the choir in the back that would sing “my Jesus goodnight” or “ after the soloist has just sung. I think it was a good complementation. 

10. I.  Quick tempo, tonality is major, polyphonic 

      II.  Slower tempo, still polyphonic, tonality is minor

      III.  Quick tempo again, still polyphonic, tonality is major  

[moonraccoon-exe]

You play the flute??!! So do I!!! I just saw it recently on your “5 things about me” thing and I was so happy to see you played flute too for some reason

OH!!!!!

! YOU PLAY THE FLUTE TOO!!! (ノ*°▽°*)

*screaming and happily bouncing around*

I don’t have an idea either of why it makes me feel excited, but IT DOES! FLUTE BUDDY! (ﾉ´ヮ`)ﾉ

I mean the transverse flute, is that the one you play too? Even if not, I LOVE ALL SORT OF FLUTES, ALL AND EVERY OF THEM HNNGNHFH, SO THAT’S 100000 POINTS TO YOU, MY DEAR JAZ. 

*throws points at you* FLUTE PLAYERS BE THE BEST AYE!

I love flute because, no lie, it’s one of the absolute best in fantasy music. Bands that play metal folk make such a beautiful use of flute and hnngnhng. I AM WEAK FOR IT. I don’t know if you’re into that sorta music, but speaking of flutes, you should probably check out “Danza Di Fuoco E Ghiaccio” by Rhapsody of Fire for a catchy melody, OR OR OROR ORO ISDFJI JSG CHECK OUT

OHMYGOD CHECK OUT Vivaldi’s Flute Concerto in C Minor, RV 441. The whole piece is glorious but it has this one crAZY BIT IT’S DOPE AYO IT’S THE CRAZIEST THING I’VE HEARD ON FLUTE

Rhapsody of Fire used it for a SUPER BADASS flute solo somewhere in the middle of the song...which was it...I think it was Sacred Power of Raging Winds. It sounds SUPER BADASS BECAUSE the solo itself is already WOOOOOOOOH CRAZY but they mixed it with POWER METAL BACKGROUND AYO.

Hnnhghnghn, yOU TOUCHED ONE OF MY WEAK SPOTS, JAZ. FLUTE. FFFFFFFLUTE. (」°ロ°)」

I don’t excuse your rambling because there’s nothing to excuse! I love to interact with you, buddy!(ノ*°▽°*)

Thanks for dropping by! I’m trying to hurry on PMs to get to yours, by the way :3

Have a LOVELY day, flute player, mate!!! (ﾉ´ヮ`)ﾉ

[kevinmoyer]

California Wedding at Witt Estate :: Bryant & Alan

After nearly ten years of blogging, we have some real gems in our archives, and it seemed a shame to think they might be buried by newer posts! So we’re dusting off our favorites…

Photos by CHRISTINA MCNEILL.

Though couple Bryant and Alan call Virginia home, they chose to celebrate their wedding near her parents home in California at the beautiful and lush Witt Estate. There are so many details we love in this wedding, it would be impossible to choose a favorite. From the rustic yet refined barn, the elegant and ethereal tables, to the perfectly styled hale bale seating, this wedding will give you so much beautiful inspiration.

Photography by Christina McNeill.

Did you include any traditions in your wedding? I wore my mom’s vintage diamond earrings and a family friend’s vintage diamond bracelet. My husband noticed last minute that I didn’t have anything blue and sweetly added a small blue flower to my hair.

What was the best advice you received as a bride? Be present and breathe.

What advice do you have for other couples in the midst of planning a wedding? Do what fits you two as a couple—even if it means serving donuts instead of cake. After all, it’s about you and your partner and surrounding yourselves with love.

The Ceremony

“Witt Estate is close by my parent’s home. We wanted some place private, beautiful and unique. My parent’s friend, Erin Martin, of Erin Martin Design, helped my parents with their home in St. Helena and also designed the wedding site. We loved the aesthetic of both. It’s got a great casual vibe, a fantastic mix of rustic and refined. The estate is designed for entertaining with stunning grounds, sweeping views of Napa Valley and the Mayacamas Mountains.”

Your ceremony in three words.  Non-traditional, full of love, fun

How did you go about planning your ceremony? Alison Events was our fabulous event design team with Jesse Tombs leading the charge. From the start, they understood what we wanted and introduced us to fantastic vendors to put it all together. They were our dream team!

What was your ceremony music? We had a pianist play during the ceremony on the lawn surrounded by vineyards.

Processional: “Meditation de Thais” by Massenet Bride’s Song: “Canon in D” by Pachelbel During prayer: “Ave Maria” playing as background Recessional: “Spring” by Antonio Vivaldi

Who officiated your ceremony? Rev. Blane W. Ellsworth. We chose Blane as we had a connection with him when we interviewed him via FaceTime. His style is to really get to know the couple and make it very personalized, sacred and lighthearted.

Did you include any traditions in your ceremony? We told Rev. Blane that we wanted our guests to be part of the ceremony. He suggested that we turn to face them rather than have our backs to them. We loved this idea and incorporated it.

What were your ceremony readings? Simple and special to us. Blane took the time to get to know us the months leading up to our wedding and incorporated little stories we had shared with him into the ceremony.

What were your vows like? Blane was great at incorporating everything he knew about us into some amazing vows. We chose not to write our own and used traditional vows with a personal twist.

  What was your favorite thing about your wedding ceremony? Walking down the aisle with my father, taking it all in, and joining my husband at the alter. We loved how personal it all felt surrounded by our families and friends. It was held on the lawn surrounded by vineyards with a view of the mountains. We felt connected to our surroundings and felt pure joy being in such a beautiful setting with the people that we love.

Bride, Bryant, wore a cap sleeve heavy silk satin gown designed by Johanna Johnson.

The Reception

“In our first conversation with Alison Events, we told them that we wanted our reception to feel like the BEST party we had ever attended and oh yeah, it’s our wedding day. We wanted our family and guests to be the main focus. We would describe our reception as the best damn party we have attended with great music, fantastic food, a beautiful setting and over the top florals and decor. It was perfection!”

Why did you choose this location for your reception? The property was a private estate which made it very personal. Buses dropped off at the site and we didn’t leave. We flowed from the vineyard for the ceremony, to the pool for the cocktail hour to the party barn for dinner and dancing. The flow of the evening was easy and relaxed allowing our guests to wander the beautiful grounds.

The David Thom Band, a bluegrass band, played a set for the guests during the cocktail reception.

Did you have a signature cocktail? We decided not to have a signature cocktail. We passed sparkling wine upon our guests arrival to the estate as well as iced tea and lemonade. After the ceremony we had open bars for the remainder of the evening.

What inspired you when you were planning your wedding? The setting—we incorporated what was already on site. The grounds were covered with olive trees, rosemary and lavender. We incorporated those into our floral arrangements.

Texture was a main element of their wedding and was perfectly strewn throughout. Florals were textured with pops of white, with a focus on grasses, seed pods, and foliage. Tables were elegantly draped in raw linen topped with cheesecloth and soft votives which added a fresh and modern touch.

The couple chose an open buffet dinner in lieu of assigned seating. An extensive and delicious menu ensured all of their guests were satisfied. They also served a variety of desserts instead of a traditional wedding cake.

Menu: Raw oyster bar with variety of fresh oysters from the pacific northwest, hand shucked during cocktail hour served on a bed of fresh seaweed with lemons bounty of poached spot prawns, chili lime granite, classic mignonette lemons and tabasco, heirloom tomato cocktail sauce // Passed Hors d’Oeuvres: Thai style grilled beef with fresh mint, basil, fresno chili and chile dipping sauce / Crispy pomme frites wrapped in prosciutto with pink truffle salt / California tacos with crispy avocado, shaved cabbage slaw and aioli / Crispy warm zucchini and feta fritters / Tiny lobster burgers with slow roasted tomato, lemon mayo, fennel and long pain de mie buns // Grilled Pizzetta Bar: Thin crust pizzetta baked and griddled all evening long with a variety of beautiful toppings including grilled pears with prosciutto and point reyes blue, classic margarita with fresh tomatoes, basil and fresh mozzarella / Shaved fennel and spicy sausage with grated carmody // Served buffet style: Grilled bundles of beef stuffed with rosemary, fontina and breadcrumbs on skewers with toasted baguette and charred lemon vinaigrette / Early Summer fresh peaches and burrata with toasted pistachio aillade shaved radicchio and kale ceasar salad with shaved parmesan, cubed pecorino and toasted walnut salad with parsley and lemon, chili flake and olive oil / Bountiful local artisan cheese and charcuterie board / Heritage whole pork loin stuffed and roasted with dried apricots and cherries sliced paper thin with house made pig-n-plow apricot mustard / Mesquite grilled fat asparagus and wild local oven roasted salmon with meyer lemon mimosa / Toasted farro salad with griddled artichokes, toasted pignoli, kumquats with warm chunky herb dressing / Fresh baked focaccia with green garlic, wild nettles, crispy pancetta, and speckly sage veggie focaccia with sea salt, braised greens and shaved pecorino pepato // Dessert: Fresh early season miniberry cobblers with whipped cream served in little mason jars for nibbling / Scones with orange zest / Mini donut bites with maple sea salt, bittersweet chocolate glaze, meyer lemon / French style macaroons and gluten free cookies

What was your favorite moment or part of the reception? Dancing and hugging everyone!

Please tell us about any other special details or moments from your reception. My father’s toast was beautiful, tender, funny and very special. Also, seeing the party barn for the first time as we entered—we were blown away by how beautiful it was. We loved sneaking away for a few private moments of reflection.

Groom, Alan, went to see Tainted Love’s shows in San Francisco for many years—having them perform at their wedding was so special and important.

What was your first dance song? We didn’t do a “first dance”. We chose instead to get our friends and family to the dance floor and party all night.

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