Large-scale vocal and instrumental works by Michael Prætorius, in collaboration with Bella Voce…

Michael Praetorius’s Polyhymnia Caduceatrix et Panegyrica contains some of the most elaborate vocal and instrumental writing in all of early German music, representing a level of sophistication on par with Monteverdi’s Vespers. Published at the beginning of the devastating Thirty Years’ War, many years would pass before Polyhymnia could be performed as it was meant to be heard.

Over four centuries later, The Newberry Consort and Bella Voce join forces to present a spectacular concert of works from Polyhymnia for voices, strings, trombones, cornetts, dulcians, continuo, and trumpets. The music is juxtaposed with readings of texts by everyday people who lived during and after the Thirty Years’ War, bringing to life Praetorius’s interpretation of Martin Luther’s instruction to “singen und sagen,” or “to sing and say” — a joyous universal musical sermon during a time of war and strife. Even now, performing this elaborate and uplifting music during times of darkness and despair remains an act of courage and optimism.

Pre-concert lectures begin one hour and 15 minutes before every performance.