St. Barts Presents SUMMER FESTIVAL OF SACRED MUSIC Today, 7/15

The Summer Festival of Sacred Music at St. Bartholomew's continues with Monteverdi's Messa da Cappella. St. Bartholomew's Choir will sing Monteverdi's Messa da Cappella today, July 15 at 11 am. Paolo Bordignon will be the organist and William K. Trafka will conduct.

Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) is regarded as a maverick, since he was a pivotal musical figure in the transition from the Renaissance to the Baroque period. He developed two distinct styles of composition -- the great heritage of Renaissance polyphony and the new basso continuo technique of the Baroque. His Messa da cappella (1651) for four voices is written in a polyphonic, imitative style but demanding greater vocal virtuosity than that of his predecessors. Additionally, Monteverdi added a harmonized instrumental bass line to accompany the voices- basso continuo- underscoring the harmonic emphasis of the polyphony.

The Summer Festival of Sacred Music takes place each Sunday morning at 11 am at St. Bartholomew's Church during the summer months. At a time when most churches reduce their musical offerings, St. Bartholomew's Church provides outstanding sacred music sung by St. Bartholomew's Choir and Boy and Girl Choristers, two of New York City's most renowned choirs. Works include an array of mass settings from the 15th century to the present embracing a diversity of cultures from around the world. The music is sung as part of the 11 am service, the liturgical context for which it was composed. All Summer Festival events are free and open to the public.

The Summer Festival of Sacred Music takes place at St. Bart's, located at the corner of Park Avenue and 51st Street. Subway: 6 to 51st Street. For more information, call (212) 378-0222 or visit our website for the complete schedule.