Solomon’s Vineyard

Few texts in history blur the lines between earthly and spiritual as compellingly as the Song of Songs. This sensuous biblical poem, ascribed to King Solomon, can be read both as a celebration of romantic love and as an allegory of the love between God and the Church, and it was set to music countless times during the Renaissance. Leonhard Lechner’s rarely heard German-language version, Das Hohelied Salomonis (1606) is as sublime as they come, but with a subtly boozier joie de vivre that is mirrored in the popular music and poetry of the day. Join us for a tasting of King Solmon’s “uber-love-song” and other works inspired by the triple muse of love, life, and good wine, curated by Lechner and his teacher, the inimitable Orlande de Lassus.

Programme Highlights

Lassus – Audi dulcis, amica mea

Lechner – So wünsch ich ihr ein gute Nacht
Lassus – Ich weiss mir ein Meidlein
Senfl – Ach Elslein, liebes Elselein mein

Lassus – Fertur in conviviis                                                                                       

Lassus – Tota pulchra es, amica mea
Senfl – Descendi in hortum nucum

Isaac – Innsbruck, ich muss dich lassen
Isaac – Tota pulchra es, amica mea

Intermission

Lassus – Audite Nova – Der Baur von Eselßkirchen

Eccard – Der Music Feind seind Ignoranten
Eccard – Ein Fuhrmann
Eccard – Gut singer und ein Organist                                                                 

Lassus – O vin en vigne
Lassus – Margot labourez les vignes
Lassus – La nuit froide et sombre
Lassus – Bon jour, mon coeur

Lechner – Das Hohelied Salomonis