The most joyful words in sacred music are ‘Gloria in excelsis Deo’ (Glory to God on high!).  And Vivaldi’s Gloria in D matches that joy with unparalleled brilliance and splendour. Voices singing like angels are poised above instruments playing like rock stars, and even when the mood turns sombre, the music is full of vitality.

A ‘Gloria’ is music of praise and prayer.  The ‘Dixit Dominus’ psalm text heads into violent territory: enemies are trod underfoot, kings are shattered, skulls smashed. And the young Handel, busy absorbing the theatrical Italian style, plunges into the thick of things with cascades of notes and fierce voices. It’s astonishing music – an ambitious work for its creator and equally ambitious for any choir that takes it on.

Bach provides a delicious contrast to all the Italianate fire and extravagance with his poignant Cantata No.12.  But don’t be fooled by the title:  ‘Weeping, Wailing, Fretting, Fearing.’ Optimism ultimately wins out, and sorrow and suffering gives way to a radiant conclusion.

The virtuoso Chamber Singers and a period instrument orchestra are conducted by Brett Weymark in this glorious baroque program.