SOFTLY THE MOONLIGHT:  The Art of the 19th Century Part Song

Saturday, April 4th, 2020 @7:30 pm

Salt Spring United Church, Salt Spring Island

​

In "Softly the Moonlight", Bach on the Rock has prepared an intimate concert of part songs and instrumental chamber music to be performed at the smaller venue of the Salt Spring United Church.  

 

A part song is a form of choral music that consists of a secular song written or arranged for several vocal parts, commonly SATB.  In part songs, the highest part usually carries the melody with the other voices supplying the accompanying harmonies - a song form that in our time is the norm in popular music.   The part song was created in Great Britain, first growing from, and then gradually superseding, the earlier form of "glee".  It was linked to the growth of choral societies  during the 19th century and was particularly influenced by the choral works of Felix Mendelssohn.  The Bach on the Rock choir will perform several part songs in this concert,  will including works by Mendelssohn, Franz Schubert, Arthur Sullivan, Hubert Parry, and Robert Pearsall. 

​

Up until the 19th century, music was categorized by where it was performed; whether it was on stage, or in a church or in private quarters (i.e.: Chamber music).  Originating in Europe in the 17th century, Chamber music concerts include small ensembles of solo instruments performed in an intimate setting for music aficionados.  This concert will include instrumental chamber music performed by small ensembles from the Bach on the Rock Orchestra.

​

Programme (click here)

​

​

​