Gloria’s flowing vocal lines and rich orchestral sounds make it a fantastic way to dive into or deepen your appreciation of this incredible repertoire.
Written in 1713, Gloria in D major RV 589 showcases a range of musical styles from its time. From the concertante style and virtuoso arias of Italian opera to the intricate fugue, discover a panoramic view of sacred music in the early 18th century. This Gloria is cohesive in its structure, but also full of contrasts: sudden shifts between minor and major keys, lively arias alongside moments of deep reflection, the choir responding to a solo instrument. Fast-paced passages give way to longer, more contemplative phrases.
These contrasts are reminiscent of the play of light and shadow in 17th-century art. They are a hallmark of Venetian Baroque music, with Vivaldi one of its standout composers.
