Niccolò Jommelli’s Te Deum, never before performed in Brazil, makes its national debut in two free concerts in São Paulo churches on April 25 and 26.
Conductor Jésus Figueiredo leads the concert Tempo Pascal – From Italian Baroque to Brazilian Rococo with the Polifonia Paulista Choir and the period-instrument ensemble Sonare Antico. The program traces the sacred repertoire of the 18th century through the liturgical meaning of Easter, from the contemplation of the Holy Sepulchre to the exultation of the “Et resurrexit.”
From Mourning to Resurrection
The concert opens with Vivaldi’s Sinfonia in B minor “Al Santo Sepolcro” (RV 169), written for Holy Week and structured in two movements: Adagio molto and Allegro ma poco. Five Holy Week motets by José Maurício Nunes Garcia — Gradual para Domingo de Ramos, Improperium, Domine Jesu, Popule Meus, and Sepulto Domino — follow, highlighting the dialogue between European models and the musical practice developed in Brazil between the colonial period and the early Empire.
Vivaldi’s Credo (RV 591) then structures the theological core of the Easter cycle through the “Crucifixus” and the “Et resurrexit.” The concert closes with the Te Deum in D major (1763) by Niccolò Jommelli, a work that is rare even in Europe and, according to the organizers, has no record of previous performance in Brazil.
“The idea behind Tempo Pascal is to build a musical journey that follows the liturgical meaning of Easter, from the contemplation of the Holy Sepulchre to the affirmation of ‘Et resurrexit’, bringing together celebrated works alongside repertoires rarely heard in Brazilian concert halls.” — Conductor Jésus Figueiredo
Period Instruments and Live Voices
The performance uses historical instruments — Baroque violins, violas, cellos, double bass, harpsichord, and theorbo — following the principles of historically informed performance. Guest soloist countertenor Jeziel Coelho, from Guarulhos (SP), brings an established presence in Baroque repertoire, having performed works such as Handel’s Messiah, Bach’s Magnificat, and Vivaldi’s Gloria.
The Polifonia Paulista Choir was founded in 2025 under Figueiredo’s direction, with Diego Pellegrini Totaro as chorus master. Sonare Antico is led artistically by Lucas Biscaro and produced by Gilberto Chacur. Both groups perform in partnership with the Associação de Canto Coral (ACC-RJ).
“Brazil has an 18th-century choral heritage that remains insufficiently explored. Placing Vivaldi, José Maurício, and Jommelli side by side reveals how European traditions and local musical practice were in dialogue at a decisive moment in our history.” — Conductor Jésus Figueiredo
Full Program
- Sinfonia in B minor “Al Santo Sepolcro” (RV 169) — Antonio Vivaldi (1678–1741): Adagio molto / Allegro ma poco
- Holy Week Motets — José Maurício Nunes Garcia (1767–1830): Gradual para Domingo de Ramos / Improperium / Domine Jesu / Popule Meus / Sepulto Domino
- Credo (RV 591) — Antonio Vivaldi: Allegro / Adagio / Largo / Allegro
- Te Deum in D major (1763) — Niccolò Jommelli (1714–1774): Allegro spiritoso / Andantino / Allegro / Alla breve
Event Info
- Concert: Tempo Pascal – From Italian Baroque to Brazilian Rococo
- Conductor: Jésus Figueiredo
- Polifonia Paulista Choir and Sonare Antico
- Guest soloist: Jeziel Coelho (countertenor)
- Duration: 50 minutes | Free admission
- April 25, 2026 (Saturday), 4 PM — Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, Praça Olavo Bilac, 63 – Campos Elíseos, São Paulo, SP
- April 26, 2026 (Sunday), 1:30 PM — Igreja da Consolação, Rua da Consolação, 585 – Consolação, São Paulo, SP
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