RENAISSANCE BIRDSONG

RENAISSANCE BIRDSONG

The programme of the concert “Renaissance Birdsong” invites listeners to travel back to the Renaissance – a period when secular polyphonic song flourished in European music.

At the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries, composers searched for new ways to express human emotions, humour, the beauty of nature and the joy of life. Alongside sacred music, madrigals, chansons and ballets became particularly popular – subtle and expressive works in which poetry and music merge into a unified narrative. The concert will take place at the Church Heritage Museum, in the refectory of the former Bernardine convent, beneath the Renaissance vaults commissioned by Leonas Sapiega and decorated with his family coat of arms. Thus, visitors will not only hear works from the Renaissance period but will also have the opportunity to admire the architecture of the era.

Renaissance composers paid particular attention to the relationship between words and music. Through musical means, they were able to convey poetic ideas, images of nature and the most subtle emotions. Thus, these works evoke the sound of waves, birdsong, declarations of love, witty dialogues between characters and even subtle irony.

Today, more than four centuries later, Renaissance polyphonic music continues to enchant audiences with its clarity, elegance and vitality. It opens a window into a world where the human voice becomes the primary means of expression and music serves as a universal language connecting different countries, cultures and eras.

The chamber choir “Aidija” is one of Lithuania’s most prominent choral ensembles, renowned for its subtle sound, professionalism and creative courage. The choir’s repertoire combines masterpieces of early music, works by Lithuanian composers and contemporary choral music. Over more than three decades, “Aidija” has earned recognition from audiences and music critics both in Lithuania and abroad, while its concerts are distinguished by musical sensitivity and a high standard of performance.

More about the choir: www.aidija.lt

Concert programme

Adieu, Sweet Amaryllis – John Wilbye
All Creatures Now – John Bennet
Amor Vittorioso – Giovanni Gastoldi
Capricciata – Adriano Banchieri
Chi la Gagliarda – Baldassare Donato
Come Away, Sweet Love – Thomas Greaves
Dolcissima mia vita – Carlo Gesualdo
Ecco mormorar l’onde – Claudio Monteverdi
Il est bel et bon – Pierre Passereau
Je ne l’ose dire – Pierre Certon
Le chant des oyseaulx – Clément Janequin
Matona mia cara – Orlando di Lasso
Now Is the Month of Maying – Thomas Morley
The Silver Swan – Orlando Gibbons
What Poor Astronomers Are They – John Dowland

Duration: approximately 1 hour.

Tickets can be purchased through the “Paysera” ticketing system or at the museum ticket office. The number of tickets is limited, so advance purchase is recommended.