All Soul's Day Concert: St. Cecilia Mass by Gounod
About the Event
The highlight of this evening is St. Cecilia Mass by Gounod, which will be performed by the chorus, soloists, and orchestra of the Estonian National Opera.
Estonian National Opera celebrates the 200th anniversary of Charles Gounod on All Souls’ Day by performing one of his most famous masses. “St. Cecilia Mass” or “Messe solennelle en l’honneur de Sainte‐Cécile” was written by Charles Gounod in homage of St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music. It was composed in 1855 and scored for three soloists, mixed choir, orchestra and organ. The premiere took place on St. Cecilia’s day, 22 November 1855, in Saint‐Eustache, Paris, where it was customary to celebrate the day by the performance of a new mass.
Gounod’s ability to compose dramatic music for the opera is also evident in this great Mass. The Gloria and Credo are famous for their drama, power and memorable melodies. The Sanctus with the operatic and beautiful tenor solo reaches a full musical climax at “Hosanna in excelsis” near the end of the movement.
Camille Saint‐Saëns commented after the premiere: “The appearance of the Messe Saint‐Cécile caused a kind of shock. This simplicity, this grandeur, this serene light which rose before the musical world like a breaking dawn, troubled people enormously. … at first one was dazzled, then charmed, then conquered.”
Cast / Production
Conductor: Kaspar Mänd
Organ: Ene Salumäe
Estonian National Opera soloists, chorus and the Mixed Chorus of the Estonia Society
