Beatus Vir in C Major, RV597

Vivaldi created three arrangements of Beatus vir based on Psalm 111. The first version of the work for double choir and double orchestra was composed in 1719 and is considered lost. The revised versions from 1720 and 1739 have survived. The first part is an antiphon on the first verse of the psalm: I will praise the Lord with my whole heart. In the council of the righteous and in their assembly, the music sounds pompous and exalted in the style of court etiquette. It is repeated five times, thus uniting the nine parts of the cycle. The second part is impressive with its contrapuntal refinement of two vocal-instrumental lines. The next part, "Gloria et divitiae," for two solo sopranos, is also very original, with an echo effect between the two vocal parts. This is followed by the slow section "Exortum est in tenebris" and the virtuoso "Jucundus homo" for soprano and organ. The culmination of the work is the minor-key trio "In memoria aeterna" with its exceptionally beautiful music. The choral "Paratum cor ejus" is also based on the antiphonal principle. "Peccator videbit" for solo tenor is built on striking contrasts. The finale is Gloria Patri, et Filio, reminiscent of the opening section and ending in a glorifying and jubilant manner.