Vivaldi : Juditha Triumphans

Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) Juditha triumphans The composer's only surviving oratorio, created in 1716 for the young female musicians of the Ospedale della Pietà in Venice, Juditha triumphans celebrates the victoir

Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)

Juditha triumphans

The composer's only surviving oratorio, created in 1716 for the young female musicians of the Ospedale della Pietà in Venice, Juditha triumphans celebrates the Venetian Republic's victory over the Ottoman Empire. An allegorical and political as much as spiritual work, it stages the biblical figure of Judith, a heroine of courage and cunning, triumphing over General Holofernes to save her people. In this abundant score, Vivaldi unleashes an instrumental palette of rare inventiveness — mandolins, theorbos, chalumeaux, or viola d'amore — serving an intense and contrasted dramaturgy. Alternating virtuoso arias, contemplative passages, and large choral ensembles, the work offers a striking balance between expressivity and musical architecture. Leading Orkester Nord, conductor Martin Wåhlberg imbues this sacred fresco with all its dramatic energy and stylistic finesse, in a historically informed and vibrant interpretation. The cast brings together two great figures of baroque singing: Anna Bonitatibus as Juditha and Ann Hallenberg in the role of Vagaus, whose aria « Armata face et anguibus  » has become a pillar of the baroque repertoire. With the sumptuous collaboration of the Chœur de l’Opéra Royal, this interpretation restores all the theatrical modernity and emotional power of this masterpiece of sacred baroque music. Between warlike ardour and mystical interiority, Juditha triumphans stands out as a total musical experience, where the female voice triumphs brilliantly.