Ludwig van Beethoven portrait

Ludwig van Beethoven, a portrait by Joseph Karl Stieler, 1820

Darien Library presents a new four-week, Tuesday lecture series on music and faith taught by Gil Harel. (Watch his previous lectures.) All lectures take place from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Community Room at Darien Library.

— an announcement from Darien Library

From Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis to Verdi’s Requiem

Beethoven’s name does not immediately conjure up church music, and yet the composer himself was said to have considered his Missa Solemnis to be among his finest works.

Ludwig van Beethoven portrait

Ludwig van Beethoven, a portrait by Joseph Karl Stieler, 1820

This “Solemn Mass” is a testament to the composer’s ambition (the work clocks in at over 80 minutes and present the performers with significant challenges), as well as his dedication to mastering the styles of the past.

In Verdi’s Requiem, we have a curious example of a non-operatic work created by a composer associated almost exclusively with opera.

In the finale to this masterpiece, The Catholic Verdi’s style reflects – as we have observed with Mozart and Beethoven – the indelible impact of the Lutheran, J.S. Bach.

About the Presenter

Gil Harel (PhD, Brandeis University) is a musicologist and music theorist whose interests include styles ranging from classical repertoire to jazz and popular music, as well as opera, medieval, and renaissance music.

Gil Harel Darien Library music lecturer

Photo from Dr. Gil Harel Lectures Facebook account

Gil Harel

Previously, he has served on the faculty at CUNY Baruch College, where he was awarded the prestigious “Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Teaching”, as well as the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in Chengdu, China.

Currently, he teaches at Naugatuck Valley Community College, where he was recently presented with the coveted “Merit Award for Exemplary Service to the College.”

At NVCC, Dr. Harel conducts the college chorale, teaches music history and theory, and serves as musical director of theater productions. Outside of teaching, he enjoys staying active as a pianist and vocalist.

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