Wayne Oratorio Society Concert

The Canticle of the Sun is a rich, lush, and expressive setting of a translated 13th century text of Saint Francis of Assisi - celebrating God and all his creations. With music that bridges the romanticism of the late 19th century with the modernist, expressionist movement of the 20th century, the choir and solo quartet sing unto “Brother Sun, Sister Moon, Brother Wind, Sister Water, Mother Earth, and Sister Death.” Amy Beach was the sole female member of the “Second New England School” – a group of roughly six Boston-based composers greatly influenced by German Romantic tradition and highly influential in the creation of a uniquely American classical idiom. Beach was the first American female composer to earn international acclaim and was one of the most respected and celebrated composers of her era.

The St. Cecilia Mass, formally known as the Messe Solennelle en l’honneur de Sainte-Cécile, was a marvel in its day. Gounod, a composer most well-known today for his operas, Faust and Romeo & Juliet, was one of the most prominent composers of his age and exerted considerable influence in French music culture over many decades. Camille Saint-Saens, a younger contemporary of Gounod, wrote after hearing the Mass’s premiere: "The appearance of the Messe Saint Cécile caused a kind of shock. This simplicity, this grandeur, this serene light which rose before the musical world like a breaking dawn, troubled people enormously. … at first one was dazzled, then charmed, then conquered." Captivating melodies, rich choral and orchestral timbres, and musical influences ranging from Gregorian chant to opera combine to form one of the most novel and satisfying mass settings of the 19th century.

Don't miss this exciting weekend of music at Wayne Presbyterian Church - invite your family, neighbors, and friends and join us for one (or two!) of these beautiful and awe-inspiring evenings of music!