Source: autograph in BL Add MS 14126

Another single section psalm setting written for the girls of the Ospedaletto in Venice in February of 1744. Launching straight into a rapid word setting and using advanced, and in some moments unusual, harmonic changes. The solo sections are, as usual, virtuosic, the choral writing exciting, but not too difficult to sing.

Editor: James Sanderson

The post Porpora: Qui Habitat appeared first on Cantata Editions.

Source BL MS Add 14129

Highly virtuosic motet for alto and strings. Extraordinarily difficult! Written in March 1742 and dedicated per la signorina Marina.

Editor: James Sanderson

The post Porpora: Regina Coeli appeared first on Cantata Editions.

Source BL Add. 14126

Part of the 1744 vespers written for the Ospedaletto

Editor: James Sanderson

The post Porpora: Nisi Dominus appeared first on Cantata Editions.

Source: BL Add MS 14126 (autograph)

The canticle sung as part of compline since the 4th century (Luke 2:29-31). In five parts, three choral with a soprano solo and a double soprano duet (quite tricky) Porpora’s setting was written in 1744 for the girls of the Ospedaletto in Venice.

Editor: James Sanderson

The post Porpora: Nunc dimittis (1744) appeared first on Cantata Editions.

Source: BL Add 14125

Charming homophonic treatment of Psalm 113 written in 1744 (Feb) at the Ospedaletto.

Editor: James Sanderson

The post Porpora: In Exitu Israel appeared first on Cantata Editions.

Source BL Add 14126

Super motet (part of the Marian Vespers) written for the Ospedaletto in Venice in 1744

Editor: James Sanderson

The post Porpora: Laetatus Sum appeared first on Cantata Editions.

Source: Autograph in BL Add MS 14216

Writen in October of 1745 for the girls of the Ospedaletto this is a continuous setting, i.e. not divided into separate sections other than for the short, fiery Gloria Patri. Similar in style to the other Psalm settings (Credidi Propter, In Exitu Israel, Qui habitat in adjutorium etc.)

Duration would be around 8 minutes and is perfect for a difficult programming spot!

Editor: James Sanderson

The post Porpora: Domine probasti me (Psalm 138/9) appeared first on Cantata Editions.

Source: BL MS Add. 14128 ff 83r – 105r

A substantial setting of the De Profundis in 9 movements, 4 choral (SSAA), 4 solo and one duet, written in 1744 for the Ospedaletto. The soloists are entered in the score as: Bernadetta, Elisabetta Pia, Lauretta (soprani), with Angioletta Moro and Barbara (contralti). As is common in these liturgical settings, Porpora features favoured/most talented students first, the first soprano and alto arias being the most virtuosic.

Editor: James Sanderson

The post Porpora: De profundis appeared first on Cantata Editions.

Source: BL MS Add. 14127 ff 29r – 38r (autograph)

A setting of psalm 115(116) Credidi propter quod locutus sum ego divided into 3 sections: Psalm – Gloria – Sicut erat & amen.

Written in 1745 for the Ospedaletto, it appears to have been reworked at a later date for SSAB coro, a format more characteristic of earlier works for the Pietà. This version follows the original SSAA coro version in all respects.

Editor: James Sanderson

The post Porpora: Credidi propter appeared first on Cantata Editions.