Concert: Magnificat

The Choir of Merton College 
The Soloists of the Oxford Philharmonic 
Marios Papadopoulos conductor

The evening opened with Telemann's beautifully effortless and lyrical Trumpet Concerto, his only concerto for the instrument. In contrast, Vivaldi wrote some 39 concerti for bassoon and his Concerto in G major is typically lively, with a fiendishly difficult and spritely line. This was complemented by Marcello's Oboe Concerto and Biscogli's triple concerto - his sole surviving work and a baroque delight. Following this virtuosic display by the wind and brass principals of the Oxford Philharmonic, The Choir of Merton College performed Bach's joyous 1733 setting of the biblical words of the Virgin Mary. With some of his most beautiful melodies, dramatic choral lines and effervescent orchestral writing, it is no wonder that by the end of the 19th century this work was considered one of the greatest showcases of Bach's genius.

Programme

Telemann Trumpet Concerto in D major, TWV 51:D7
Marcello Oboe Concerto in C minor
Vivaldi Bassoon Concerto in G major, RV 493
Biscogli Concerto for Trumpet, Oboe and Bassoon
JS Bach Magnificat in D major, BWV 243