Monday 15th June at 7.30pm, Exeter Chorale conducted by Dr Nigel Browne bring to St Michael’s a Concert of early-Classical sacred music with Salzburg connections, accompanied by instrumentalists.

It seems there was a remarkable conjunction of young musical talent in Salzburg in the 1760s, and we are singing music by three composers who probably knew each other.

Michael Haydn (1737-1806), younger brother of Franz Joseph, was establishing his musical career in Salzburg. We sing 3 contrasting pieces.

Timete Dominum (1777) – Gradual for All Saints. Fear the Lord, all ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him: They that seek the Lord shall not be deprived of any good. Alleluia.

Eripe me- Offertory for Lent V. Deliver me from my enemies, teach me to do thy will. Be my liberator O Lord from angry peoples, you will exalt me above those wicked men who rise up against me.

Prope est Dominus – Gradual for Advent IV. The Lord is attentive to all who call Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. Speak the praise of the Lord, my mouth, and may all flesh bless His holy name. Alleluia.

The young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-91) was starting out on his brilliant career under the guidance of his father Leopold.

Alma Dei creatoris – The caring mother of God the Creator sits as the very merciful mother of a guilty sinner. May you, merciful one, bring to pass what we pray for, who are strong for the struggle.

Mozart’s final completed sacred work, Ave verum corpus, was written on 17 June 1791, for the feast of Corpus Christi. Hail the true body, born of the Virgin Mary: You who truly suffered and were sacrificed on the cross for the sake of man. From whose pierced side flowed water and blood: Be a foretaste for us in the trial of death.

Bonifaz Stöckl (1745-1784) – Missa Brevis in E flat. Soprano/Alto duets alternate with full SATB choir in this charming setting of the Mass. The Benedictus is an extended Tenor solo, and fugal material from the opening Kyrie is reused in the Agnus Dei’s closing Dona nobis pacem.

Born at Piling in Bavaria, Stöckl went to Salzburg to further his studies in composition under Leopold Mozart. Around 1771 Stöckl returned to his native Bavaria to work as a priest and composer in the Monastery of Mallersdorf near Landshut. In the years 1782-1783, he was professor of grammar at a school in Amberg north of Regensburg,

Admission on the door, £8, £6 concessions, children free.  Refreshments included.

Exeter Chorale will also perform this programme on Thursday 18th June at 7.30pm at St Nicholas Methodist Church, Fore Street, Topsham, Devon EX3 0HE.

Dr Nigel Browne introduces the Concert  of  Salzburg Connections  by  Exeter Chorale & Players.