Emma Kirkby, the renowned soprano known for her exquisite voice and profound interpretations, presents a captivating album featuring two monumental works from the Baroque era: Vivaldi's "Gloria in D Major" and Bach's "Magnificat in E-Flat Major." Released on January 1, 2014, under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label, this album is a testament to Kirkby's mastery of classical and choral music, offering a rich and immersive experience for any music enthusiast.
The album opens with Vivaldi's "Gloria in D Major," RV 589, a vibrant and uplifting composition that showcases Kirkby's ability to convey both joy and reverence. The twelve movements of the "Gloria" are performed with precision and passion, highlighting the intricate harmonies and dynamic contrasts that Vivaldi masterfully crafted.
Following the "Gloria," the album transitions seamlessly into Bach's "Magnificat in E-Flat Major," BWV 243a. This sacred canticle, composed to celebrate the Visitation of Mary, is a profound exploration of faith and devotion. Kirkby's interpretation of the sixteen movements is both tender and powerful, capturing the essence of Bach's profound spirituality and musical genius.
With a total duration of one hour and four minutes, this album is a comprehensive journey through two of the most significant works in the Baroque repertoire. Kirkby's voice, accompanied by a stellar ensemble, brings these compositions to life with unparalleled clarity and emotional depth. Whether you are a seasoned classical music aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, this album is a must-listen, offering a timeless and enriching experience that celebrates the enduring beauty of Vivaldi and Bach's masterpieces.
Gloria, RV 589: I. Gloria in excelsis DeoAntonio Vivaldi, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Gloria, RV 589: II. Et in terra paxAntonio Vivaldi, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Gloria, RV 589: III. Laudamus teAntonio Vivaldi, Judith Nelson, Emma Kirkby, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Gloria, RV 589: IV. Gratias agimus tibiAntonio Vivaldi, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Gloria, RV 589: V. Propter magnam gloriam tuamAntonio Vivaldi, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Gloria, RV 589: VI. Domine Deus, Rex caelestisAntonio Vivaldi, Judith Nelson, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Gloria, RV 589: VII. Domine Fili unigeniteAntonio Vivaldi, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Gloria, RV 589: VIII. Domine Deus, Agnus DeiAntonio Vivaldi, Carolyn Watkinson, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Gloria, RV 589: IX. Qui tollis peccata mundiAntonio Vivaldi, Simon Preston, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music
Gloria, RV 589: X. Qui sedes ad dexteram PatrisAntonio Vivaldi, Carolyn Watkinson, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Gloria, RV 589: XI. Quoniam tu solus sanctusAntonio Vivaldi, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Gloria, RV 589: XII. Cum Sancto SpirituAntonio Vivaldi, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 1. Magnificat anima meaJohann Sebastian Bach, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 2. Et exultavit spiritus meusJohann Sebastian Bach, Emma Kirkby, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 3. Vom Himmel hochJohann Sebastian Bach, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 4. Quia respexit humilitatemJohann Sebastian Bach, Judith Nelson, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 5. Omnes genarationesJohann Sebastian Bach, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 6. Quia fecit mihi magnaJohann Sebastian Bach, David Thomas, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 7. Freut euch und jubiliertJohann Sebastian Bach, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 8. Et misericordiaJohann Sebastian Bach, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston, Paul Elliott, Carolyn Watkinson
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 9. Fecit potentiamJohann Sebastian Bach, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 10. Gloria in excelsis DeoJohann Sebastian Bach, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 11. Deposuit potentesJohann Sebastian Bach, Paul Elliott, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 12. Esurientes implevit bonisJohann Sebastian Bach, Carolyn Watkinson, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 13. Virga jesseJohann Sebastian Bach, Emma Kirkby, David Thomas, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 14. Suscepit IsraelJohann Sebastian Bach, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 15. Sicut locutus estJohann Sebastian Bach, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
Magnificat In E-Flat Major, BWV 243a: 16. Gloria PatriJohann Sebastian Bach, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston