Another monumental work by Vittorio Gnecchi, is the Cantata Biblica, for soprano, baritone, choir and orchestra. A great fresco in three parts on texts from the Bible (Psalms of David), which saw its first performance in Salzburg in 1934, conducted by Messner and interpreted by the famous soprano Stella Roman and baritone Giuseppe Manachini. There are three fundamental parts: the “Giudizio Universale”, surprisingly effective; the “Miserere” with unexpected moments of closed-mouth chorus; and finally the exuberant “Alleluia”.
Only in 1940 Gnecchi succeeded in organizing a concert at La Scala in Milan: on March 21st the great Franco Ferrara conducted the Cantata Biblica with the soprano Stella Roman and the baritone Francesco Valentino.
The concert is broadcasted by the Italian E.I.A.R.. Italiana and was so successful that it was confirmed for the upcoming Spring Concerts, again at La Scala. So the Cantata Biblica repeats its presence at La Scala on May 27, 1940, with the same performers but conducted by Alberto Erede.
