Upcoming Performances

Sat., May 10, 2025 at 6 pm
Trinity Church

Lakeville, CT 06039

Sun., May 11, 2025 at 4 pm
Saint James Place
Great Barrington, MA 01230

Body & Soul: Cavalieri’s Rappresentatione – A Turning Point in Music

Sat., May 10, 2025 at 6 pm Trinity Church, Lakeville, CT
Sun., May 11, 2025 at 4 pm Saint James Place, Great Barrington, MA

Roman composer Emilio Cavalieri wrote and premiered his groundbreaking work Rappresentatione di Anima et di Corpo with great success in 1600. It is the first dramatic stage work fully set to music. The question remains, whether this work is considered an opera or an oratorio (sacred drama)!

The subject, an allegorical drama, is a lively debate over worldly vanities versus a spiritual life. It features nine opposing characters: Soul, Body, Counsel, Intellect, Time, Pleasure, Guardian Angel, World, Worldly Life, and a chorus that comments on the action, accompanied by a chamber orchestra. Solos, duets, ensemble pieces and instrumental interludes alternate to create a varied dramatic and entertaining representation of the plot.

Performers: Crescendo Chorus, Soloists soprano Paulina Francisco, Anima, baritone Anicet Castel, Corpo, bass-baritone Paul Max Tipton, Mondo and Il Tempo, tenor Pablo Bustos, Intelletto, baritone Jermaine Woodard Jr., Consiglio, countertenor Benjamin Rauch, Piacere, mezzo soprano Salomé Sandoval, Angel Custode, soprano Jennifer Tyo Oberto, Vita Mondana, and Crescendo Period Instrument Orchestra, led by Christine Gevert

Support for these concerts has been provided by the Connecticut State Department of Economic and Community Development/Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) from the Connecticut State Legislature, and NBT Bank. We also thank WMNR Radio for their ongoing support.

A Pre-Concert Talk will be held on Saturday, April 26 at 2:00 PM at Trinity Church, 484 Lime Rock Rd., Lakeville, CT, and on Saturday, May 3 at 10:30 AM at Mason Library, Community Room, 231 Main St., Great Barrington, MA.

Crescendo’s Founding Artistic Director Christine Gevert will explain the background of Cavalieri’s Rappresentatione. The 4/26 talk will also be live streamed via Zoom (register to join online by writing to crescendo@crescendomusic.org).

Giving To Crescendo

Support the Music You Love!
Crescendo is a family of music lovers that brings exquisite and unique choral and instrumental music to audiences throughout our region. With your help, Crescendo can continue to perform the music you love.

Crescendo At Home

Virtual Concerts On-Demand NOW

Latest recordings:

Recorded: September 14, 2024
Hommage à Wanda Landowska – Kenneth Weiss

Now you can watch Crescendo’s concerts at home at any time with our virtual concert portal – Crescendo at Home!

We want to keep choral and baroque music experiences alive not only during the pandemic, but also for your pleasure, comfort and for anyone who is not able to attend concerts in person.

Recorded in high quality audio by former Carnegie Hall engineer Leszek Wojcik, and filmed in high definition by Charlette Media Productions, we offer you an experience that is similar to being there in person. It even brings you closer to the performers than you ever would in a live concert.

Watch, and share with your family and friends!  Subscribe to our e-Newsletter for news on upcoming Crescendo at Home programming.

SINGERS based in the Berkshires are invited to join Crescendo’s Ensembles: Crescendo Chorus, Crescendo Vocal Ensemble, Crescendo Young Artists Program. We have openings for both amateur and paid professional positions in all voice groups. A limited number of scholarships are available. We regularly perform in Lakeville, CT and Great Barrington, MA. Learn more, and schedule and audition by writing to: crescendo@crescendomusic.org

COVID PROTOCOL FOR CRESCENDO’S CONCERTS AND EVENTS

Covid Prevention Policy: Masking recommended for audience members. These policies will be adapted according to community transmission rates.

These concerts have been made possible in part with support from CT Humanities (CTH), with funding provided by the Connecticut State Department of Economic and Community Development/Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) from the Connecticut State Legislature.