Story
This Christmas mass is basically the largest composition that was performed in our territory in the 17th century. Here, Rittler appears as a completely excellent and experienced composer standing alongside his better-known Austrian contemporaries (Biber, Schmelzer), who is in complete control of his musical craft and possesses an incredibly Italian invention and singing ability.
Composer's work:
Most of Rittler's known work comes from the collection of Bishop Lichtenstein in Kroměříž. There are 39 compositions in the collection and it is estimated that this is only about a third of his work. The compositions are notable for their rich cast. While a typical figure music cast at the time required only 16–18 musicians, these pieces counted on 20–27 musicians. The compositions have a predominantly homophonic character. He rarely used counterpoint.
Program:
Philipp Jakob Rittler (ca. 1639–1690): Sonata Nativitatis
Introitus: Puer natus (Choral)
Philipp Jakob Rittler: Missa Nativitatis
Johann Jacob Kerll (1627–1693): Ad Elevationem
Ite missa est (Choral)
Cast:
Societas Incognitorum
Artistic director: Eduard Tomaštík
Soloists:
soprano: Romana Kružíková, Kateřina Šujanová
alt: Lucie Karafiátová
tenor: Ondřej Múčka, Petr Julíček
bass. Jiří Miroslav Procházka, Martin Šujan
