Galileo's discoveries - the telescope and the moons of Jupiter - his trial before the Inquisition - this new oratorio is a lyrical exploration of scientific and religious certainties and doubts in the face of the awesome and wonderful mystery of Creation.
sponsored by Starlight Opera (UK)
Florence AD 1644
'...it was there I found and visited the famous Galileo, grown old, a prisoner of the Inquisition, for thinking in Astronomy otherwise than the Franciscan and Dominican licencers thought' John Milton - Areopagitica.
A Twenty-First Century Oratorio by Joe St.Johanser
Ode to Galileo
This new composed oratorio for 6 principals, SSATBB choir and piano was rehearsed, performed and recorded in a workshop session at Christ Church Woking on Tuesday June 15th 2004.
The piece lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Click here for an MP3 File of the first part of track 5 - Maria Celeste writes a letter to Galileo : Three Princes of the Church condemn Galileo
Some sponsorship is available
for future performances of the oratorio. If choral conductors or promoters
would like a free of charge promotional/perusal copy of the CD recording
and/or the score please email
Galileo Galilei (Prince of Physics) - David Ubaka - Baritone
S. Maria Celeste (Galileo's Daughter, A Poor Claire Nun) - Alice Bishop - Soprano
Friar Tommaso Caccini (Dominican Preacher) - Nigel Evans-Thompson - Baritone
Most Illustrious Lord Cardinal Bellarmine - Paul Charrier - Baritone
Magnificent Carlo Sinceri (Inquisitor General) - David Stuart - Baritone
Jill House - Mezzo-Soprano
The Public Chorus (Tutored and Untutored) - Members of Guildford Chamber Choir and friends - SSATBB
Conductor - Wynford Evans
Pianist - Sheila Blow