Crescendo presents ‘Songs of the Soul’ concerts

LAKEVILLE — Crescendo will perform “Songs of the Soul — Sensual and Spiritual Renaissance Voices,” with Josquin des Prez’s “Mass L’Homme Armé” and Leonhard Lechner’s “The Song of Solomon,” on Friday at 6 p.m. at Saint James Place, 352 Main St., Great Barrington, Mass., and Sunday at 4 p.m. at Trinity Church, 484 Lime Rock Road, Lakeville.

Leonhard Lechner, a student of Orlando di Lasso, became known in Germany for his ability to translate the Italianate techniques of the late Renaissance and early Baroque into the German language.

He set the first two chapters of the highly sensual text of the Song of Solomon to music. Dramatic recitation will emphasize this text.

In contrast, Josquin’s Mass L’Homme Armé (about 100 years earlier) is considered a monument of early Renaissance counterpoint. Based on a popular French secular song, “The Armed Man,” its complexity does not obscure its beauty and meditative character.

The performance will include Crescendo Vocal Ensemble with Artistic Director Christine Gevert leading from the organ, and lutenist/guitarist Hideki Yamaya playing theorbo. Dancers Ellen Gorman and Andrea Blacklow, with members of their company Moving Arts Exchange, will perform a modern original choreography, synchronized with the music.

Tickets are $60 with preferred seating, and $35 general admission, with $10 for youth under 18.

Tickets can be reserved at worldclassmusic.org/buy-tickets/ or purchased at the door.

For information, call 860-435-4866 or visit http://www.worldclass music.org