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March 5, 2019 | The Valley Catholic
COMMUNITY
San Jose Symphonic Choir Performs Beethoven and Hummel
San Jose Symphonic Choir will
present its first concert of 2019 on
March 23, at the Cathedral Basilica of
Saint Joseph in San Jose, at 7:30 p.m.
Led by Music Di rec tor Leroy
K rom m, t he c hoi r w i l l per for m
Masses written by two important
composers of the early 19th century:
the Mass in C Major by Ludwig van
Beethoven and the Mass in D Major
by Johann Hummel. The choir will
be accompanied by the Cal Arte
Chamber Orchestra. Tickets are:
general, $30 in advance, $35 at the
door, seniors/students/military $25
in advance, $30 at the door, and
are available through Brown Paper
Tickets. Visit the Choir’s website,
www.sanjosesymphonicchoir.org for
a direct link to tickets and additional
information.
The onset of the 19th century saw
revolutions that defined a new gov-
ernment in France and a new country
in America. Social change began that
would end slavery, and industrial
change revolutionized travel and
the work place. In the midst of these
political and social transformations,
musical tastes changed too, moving
away from the elegantly defined
forms of classicism towards the lush
and turbulent music of the romantic
era.
Two names closely associated
with these musical transitions are
Ludwig van Beethoven and Johann
Hummel. They knew each other well.
Both studied with Joseph Haydn,
both composed for Prince Nikolaus
Esterházy II, a prominent musical
patron, and both resided in Vienna,
an important center of classical mu-
sic. Despite these similarities, they
played very different musical his-
tory roles, and enjoy very different
recognition today.
Beethoven, one of the best-known
composers from past eras, is re-
garded as a musical bridge between
the 18th and 19th centuries. Firmly
rooted in the classical traditions of
Haydn and Mozart, whom he ar-
dently admired, he became increas-
ingly innovative with musical form,
in part due to his early deafness,
and his style underwent significant
changes. Using his compositions to
reflect his passionate concern for the
freedom and dignity of the individ-
ual, he developed the style of “mu-
sical painting” to describe scenes
and emotions. His works became
louder and longer, and his musical
themes more intricately developed.
Beethoven broke from the measured
structure of classicism, introducing
new dynamic, instrumental, and
emotional extremes that would de-
fine the romantic era of music in the
19th century. He was highly sought
as a pianist; by the time the Mass
in C was written in 1807, heads of
state would schedule their meetings
around Beethoven performances so
as to not miss them.
SJSC’s p er for ma nc e w i l l pa i r
Hummel’s lovely Mass in D with
Beethoven’s beautiful and stirring
Mass in C Major, allowing compari-
son of the styles and gifts of these
t wo important classical contem-
poraries. Incidentally, Beethoven’s
Mass was not enjoyed by its spon-
sor, Prince Esterhazy, who found
Beethoven’s modernity “unbearably
ridiculous and detestable.” Luckily
for us, it survived anyway.
For more information
regarding events in
the Diocese of San Jose,
please visit,
www.dsj.org.
Lenten Concert: Trust in Providence
All are invited to attend an upcom-
ing Lenten concert with internationally
known harpist Anna Maria Mendieta
& Argentine recording artist, Tiano
Vas. They will blend the best of their
gifts to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary
and St. Padre Pio by offering a variety
of music, ranging from sacred music to
faith-filled pop rock, with a sprinkle of
what the duo does best--fiery Spanish/
Latin music.
“I am a Catholic artist using the me-
dium of songs, lectures, writings, and
videos to show how God works in my
life. I yearn for others to also encour-
age the love of God...” said Tiano Vas,
“The lack of faith grows in the world
and therefore my latest work is, in large
part, a prayer to God–that we are not
tempted to discouragement and mainly
that we increase our faith.”
The concert will be held on March 8,
at 6:15 p.m. at Our Lady of Peace Church
& Shrine in Santa Clara, in the Family
Learning Center. A suggested donation
of $10 per person will be accepted at the
door. Seating is first come, first served.
The concert is followed by a ‘meet and
greet’ reception with the performers.
Tiano Vas’ latest album, “Au-
mentame La Fe,” covers almost a
decade of experiences and challenges
in his life. He believes his faith has
Tiano Vas (left) and Anna Maria Mendieta
(right) will be performing a mix of Sacred
music, Christian rock, and fiery Spanish/
Latin Music.
helped him overcome those challenges.
”Without God,” says Tiano, “I would
not have gone forward. Jesus Christ is
the one who wins...”
Anna Maria has touched the hearts
of many Catholic and non-Catholic
listeners around the world with her
music, including celebrities, dignitar-
ies, and Pope Benedict XVI himself.
She has received many awards for her
innovative arrangements but, because
of her deep-seated faith in God and
devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary,
she remains humble and shows her
appreciation to God by offering her
talent to churches and non-profits to
help spread faith and devotion.