Bangkok Music Society will present "Echoes Of The Divine", featuring rare sacred works by two of the most loved opera composers, at Christ Church, Convent Road, on Saturday at 3pm.
To commemorate the centenary of the death of Italian Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924), renowned for romantic operas -- Madam Butterfly, Tosca, La Bohème and Turandot -- the repertoire will feature his Messa Di Gloria, which truly puts glory to the fore in what is a full-length Mass.
Premiered by the composer in 1880 when he was just 22, it was never performed again until it was uncovered in 1952. Puccini, though, used some of the themes in his later operas.
On the other hand, Georges Bizet (1838-1875) was struck down by a heart attack at just 36 and before his only well-known opera, Carmen, had achieved popularity or was even performed outside Paris. While he composed exclusively for opera, much of it seldom performed, it was thought he never wrote a religious work.
However, while a student in Rome, the then 19-year-old wrote the majestic and powerful Te Deum Laudamus (an early Christian hymn of praise) for a competition which failed to impress the judges. Never to write a sacred work again, this piece remained forgotten and unpublished until rediscovered in 1971.
These two pieces, written while these composers were young, give a fascinating and rare insight into the origins of some of the most well-known operatic repertoire of late 19th century. Under the baton of Margaret Young, BMS Choir and Chamber Orchestra look forward to presenting these unusual and little heard of works for the first time and in the harmonious ambience of Christ Church.
Tickets cost 800 baht (400 baht for students) and can be purchased from ticketmelon or at the door.
