Four introduzioni exist for these Glorias: Cur Sagittas (RV 637), Jubilate, o amoeni cori (RV 639) (the last movement of which is compositionally tied with the first movement of RV 588), Longe Mala, Umbrae, Terrores (RV 640), and Ostro Picta (RV 642). IntroductionĪs with other choral pieces the composer, Vivaldi, wrote many introduzione (introductory motets) that were to be performed before the Gloria itself. It was probably written at about the same time as the RV 588, possibly in 1715. The RV 589 Gloria is a familiar and popular piece among sacred works by Vivaldi. A third, RV 590, is mentioned only in the Kreuzherren catalogue and presumed lost. The piano reductions are straightforward, clearly presented and preserve the character of the works.Antonio Vivaldi wrote at least three settings of the hymn Gloria in excelsis Deo, whose words date probably from the 4th Century and which is an integral part of the Ordinary of the Mass.

Although the authenticity of the autograph manuscript score is beyond doubt, these new editions contain some re-evaluations in phrasing and performance practice which go beyond what other editions have to offer. It is a purely a choral work without solo passages.īoth works can be performed independently but can also be combined as a kind of short mass. The date of its composition remains unclear. The same mastery has also been applied to the “Kyrie” RV 587 (BA 8950), scored for two choirs and two groups of stringed instruments. In the twelve movements of the “Gloria”, Vivaldi displays the whole range of his mastery from festive, sublime outer movements to tender, transparently scored solo passages.

The scoring of the solo voices (SSA) suggests that the work was written during his period at the Ospedale della Pietà, around 1716. However, it was probably also performed within church services.

Vivaldi wrote the “Gloria” as a self-contained work in the style of a concertante mass. Today the “Gloria” RV 589 (BA 7674) is one of Vivaldi’s best-known compositions and one of the most frequently performed sacred vocal works from the Baroque period.

Rv589