I am addicted to Vivaldi, so here is another of his bright and rhythmic choral works. Dixit Dominus is the Latin version of psalm 110: "The LORD says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." The LORD will extend your mighty scepter from Zion; you will rule in the midst of your enemies." Although ‘my lord’, in the Christian interpretation becomes is a reference to the Messiah, so that the psalm can be understood as a celebration of the promised triumph of good over evil, the original meaning is of course what is literally stated. The Old Testament is full of wars and the god of Israel sometimes behaves like a war god, who helps topple the walls of yet another peaceful city. Happily, the text is sung in Latin, so it is easy to disregard it, and it is riveting music!
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[Introduction to Vespers and beginning of the psalm
"Dixit Dominus" in a Book of Hours]
Antonio Vivaldi composed in fact three settings of the Dixit Dominus including the present setting in ten movements (eight psalm verses and two movements for the doxology) for five soloists, double choir and orchestra, RV 594, in the bright key of D major to suit both the celebratory mood of the piece and the prominence given to the trumpets. Its splendor is enhanced by being set for a double choir. The first choir (Coro I) is accompanied by two oboes, two trumpets (with timpani), two violins, viola, organ and basso continuo, while the second choir (Coro II) is accompanied by strings, organ and continuo. In Vivaldi’s day Dixit Dominus was prescribed as the first of the psalms to be sung in the evening service known as ‘Vespers’, the most common service after the Mass. It is has been called one of his "most significant sacred works," on a par with the Gloria.
Listen to: Giulio Prandi - conductor with the Ghislieri Choir & Consort
Watch on Youtube.
Choral Masterworks