Upcoming Performances
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.
Crescendo At Home
Virtual Concerts On-Demand NOW
Latest recordings:
Recorded: December 29, 2024
Bach-Circle: Christmas Oratorios and Contemporary Female Voices
Recorded: October 6, 2024
Nature in Vivaldi’s Sounds: Concertos for Violin, Flute, and Two Mandolins
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
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.
