Événement

The Man at the Crossroads (White Plains, NY)

The Academy of Sacred Dramas oratorio performances move beyond passive entertainments to engaging experiences of cultural value through the organizations rediscovery of forgotten musical treasures, restoration of historical performance formats, and unification of high-quality music-making with social and intellectual exploration. Believed to be the American premiere of Antonio Gianettinis Lhuomo in bivio, the Academys November 2019 performances are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the revival of this masterful full-scale work in a format that parallels its premiere. The story will be acted out through movement and singing, and the social and intellectual dimensions of Lhuomo will be explored through the contextual lecture set between oratorio halves. A brief reception will follow the lecture.

Antonio Gianettini (16481721) is a name almost entirely forgotten in the world of music, yet at one time he was one of the most talented and respected composers of his generation. In 1686, at approximately 38 years old, Gianettini became the maestro di cappella of the Duke of Modena's court. He had previously held positions as an organist at the prestigious church of San Marco in Venice and had sung bass in that choir. His musical training was administered by musicians of note, and he had composed for prominent personalities such as the Marquis of Ferrara and the Duke of Brunswick and Lüneburg. His output prior to his Modenese appointment also included six operas for the Ventian stage. After he became maestro di capella in Modena, he returned frequently to Venice to find singers for the extensive Modenese oratorio season.

Gianettini's Italian-language oratorio Lhuomo in bivio depicts a man at the crossroads between Heaven and Hell. An eloquent exchange between the man (Huomo), his guardian angel (Angelo), a demon (Demonio), and the narrator (Testo) weighs pleasure versus sanctity as the purpose and summit of the mans life.

For more info, visit: https://sacreddrama.org/man-at-crossroads/

Jeremy Rhizor, director and violin
Tony Lopresti, mime and choreographer
Marc Bellassai, harpsichord and guest speaker

Nola Richardson, Angelo (soprano)
Andrew Padgett, Demonio (bass-baritone)
Clifton Massey, Huomo (countertenor)
Michael Jones, Testo (tenor)

with Academy instrumental ensemble

Another performance will take place on
Sunday, November 24, 2019 at 2 PM
St. Vincent Ferrer Church
869 Lexington Ave, New York, NY