Mozart: Exsultate, jubilate | Julie Fuchs, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin & François Leleux

A defining composition in bel canto history: Mozart’s "Exsultate, jubilate" (Exult, rejoice) for soprano and orchestra (K. 165). The virtuosic soprano part of the motet, which is written in the style of an opera, is sung by soloist Julie Fuchs. The Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin (DSO) performs under the baton of François Leleux. This lively piece was performed at a concert during the Kissinger Sommer music festival on July 12, 2025, in the Max-Littmann-Saal in Bad Kissingen, Germany.

(00:00) I. Exsultate, jubilate – Allegro
(04:38) II. Fulget amica dies – Secco recitative
(05:38) III. Tu virginum corona – Andante
(11:21) IV. Alleluja – Molto allegro

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791) composed "Exsultate, jubilate" while in Milan in January 1773, just before his 17th birthday. The inspiration for the motet was the famous soprano castrato Venanzio Rauzzini (1746–1810). At the time, Rauzzini, who was also renowned as a composer, pianist and voice teacher, was playing the lead role of Cecilio in Mozart's opera "Lucio Silla" — and the young composer was captivated by the castrato’s voice. To further highlight his talent, Mozart wrote a sacred motet for the star singer, who was 10 years his senior. On January 17, 1773, the premiere of "Exsultate, jubilate" took place in Milan, with Rauzzini, of course, singing the solo part.

This work places extraordinary technical demands on the singer: breathtaking coloratura passages must sound effortless despite their difficulty, while rapid shifts between registers need to flow seamlessly. It is no wonder, then, that the motet — with its two arias, a recitative, and the jubilant "Alleluja" finale — feels closer to opera than to liturgical music. The two arias bear a strong resemblance to Mozart’s concert arias. Even the text of "Exsultate, jubilate," written by an unknown poet, seems almost too poetic for church music, though its content centers on the praise of God and a prayer to Mary.

Lyrics:
Rejoice, resound with joy,
O you blessed souls,
Singing sweet songs.
In response to your singing
Let the heavens sing forth with me.

The friendly day shines forth,
Both clouds and storms have fled now.
For the righteous there has arisen
An unexpected calm.
Dark night reigned everywhere before;
Arise, happy at last,
You who feared till now,
And joyful for this lucky dawn,
Give garlands and lilies with full right hand.

You, o crown of virgins,
Grant us peace,
Console our feelings,
From which our hearts sigh.

Hallelujah!

Interesting fact: On May 30, 1779, Trinity Sunday, the "Exsultate, jubilate" was performed in Salzburg with lyrics adapted to fit the feast of the Holy Trinity. There is also a version of the text suited to Christmas. These two alternative "Salzburg" versions were only rediscovered in 1978. In terms of instrumentation, they further deviate from the original version: Mozart used flutes instead of oboes.

Text: Rita Kass

© 2025 Deutsche Welle

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