Cantique de Jean Racine, Op. 11, by Gabriel Fauré. Areté Singers, Tim Salaver, Music Director

Areté Singers present Cantique de Jean Racine, Op. 11, by Gabriel Fauré at Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, San Francisco, CA on June 25, 2023. Music Director Timothy Echavez Salaver. Organist, Luke Wenceslas Mayernik.
Fauré composed "Cantique de Jean Racine" at the age of 19 while he was studying at the École Niedermeyer de Paris. The piece won him the first prize in composition at the school, marking an early milestone in his career and showcasing his talent as a composer. The title of the piece pays tribute to Jean Racine, a renowned French playwright of the 17th century. By drawing inspiration from Racine's works and setting his words to music, Fauré connects with a rich literary tradition and demonstrates his ability to blend poetry with music. "Cantique de Jean Racine" is admired for its exquisite melodies and harmonies. Fauré's lush choral writing and sensitive handling of the text create a deeply expressive and poignant musical experience, showcasing his gift for crafting emotive and memorable melodies.
Cantique de Jean Racine
Verbe, égal au Très-Haut, notre unique espérance,
Jour éternel de la terre et des cieux,
De la paisible nuit nous rompons le silence.
Divin Sauveur, jette sur nous les yeux.
Répands sur nous le feu de ta grâce puissante
Que tout l’enfer fuie au son de ta voix.
Dissipe le sommeil d’une âme languissante
Qui la conduit à l’oubli de tes lois.
O Christ, sois favorable à ce peuple fidèle
Pour te bénir maintenant rassemblé.
Reçois les chants qu’il offre à ta gloire immortelle
Et de tes dons qu’il retourne comblé.
Canticle of Jean Racine
Word, equal to the Almighty, our sole hope,
Eternal day of the earth and the heavens,
We break the silence of the peaceful night.
Divine savior, cast your eyes upon us.
Pour on us the fire of your powerful grace
So that all hell flees at the sound of your voice.
Dispel the sleep of a languishing soul
Who lives forgetful of your laws. O Christ, look kindly on your faithful people
Assembled now to glorify you.
Receive the songs that we offer to your immortal glory
And let us depart, crowned with your gifts.
About Areté Singers
Founded in 2016 by Music Director Timothy Echavez Salaver, the ensemble began performing for corporate events, life celebrations, and holiday parties. At Christmas you may have heard and seen Areté Singers somewhere throughout the greater San Francisco Bay area performing as Christmas carolers dressed in Dickens or holiday-themed costumes. Areté Singers consist of singers from SF Symphony, SF Opera, Livermore Valley Opera and major community choruses throughout the bay area. The singers have performed for the SF 49ers, at wineries in Napa and Sonoma, at many tree lightings, and for numerous senior care facilities. 2023 marks the concert debut of Areté Singers. Visit aretesingers.com for more information.
Soprano
Barbara Edwards
Christine Dukey
Donna Edwards Weber
Irene Cheng
Kassidy Mayernik
Kim Baxter
Laurena Alm
Stephanie Collins
Alto
Bridget Ahearn
Claudine Jones
Gail Kiyomura
Kathryn Schumacher
Leandra Ramm
Nicole Schach
Ruth Chang
Tenor
Ben Rudiak-Gould*
James Donnelly*
Jeffrey Neidleman*
Josh Susic*
Mark Rose
Telfer Pollard*
Timothy Echavez Salaver*
Bass
Andrew Kessler
Asher Davison*
Gilead Wurman
Mark Sumner
Paul Farrell
Phil Buonadonna
*Countertenor
Videographer: Willem van Asten
Audio Engineering: Jim Hawthorne, www.jimhawthorne.net/