Today the “ Gloria”  RV 589 (BA 7674) is one of Vivaldi’s best-known compositions and one of the  most frequently performed sacred vocal works from the Baroque period. Vivaldi wrote the “ Gloria” as a self-contained work in the style of a concertante mass. However, it was  probably also  performed within church services. The scoring of the solo voices (SSA) suggests  that the work  was written during his period at the Ospedale della Pietà, around 1716. In the  twelve movements  of the “ Gloria” , Vivaldi displays  the whole range of his mastery from festive, sublime outer  movements to tender, transparently scored solo passages.<br>
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The same mastery has also been applied to the “ Kyrie”  RV 587 (BA 8950), scored for two choirs and two groups of stringed instruments. The date of its composition remains unclear. It is a purely a choral work without solo passages.<br>
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Both works can be performed independently but can also be combined as a kind of short mass. Although the authenticity of the autograph manuscript score is beyond doubt, these new editions contain some re-evaluations in phrasing and performance practice which go  beyond what other  editions have to offer. The piano reductions are straightforward, clearly  presented and preserve  the character of the works.<br>