By Town Crier Staff Report

Mountain View-based chorus Schola Cantorum will perform a concert titled “Quintessential Baroque” at 8 p.m., Saturday, and 2 p.m., Sunday, at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St.

Saturday’s performance will be preceded by a free preconcert Preludes lecture at 7:15 p.m.

Heading the concerts are works by two of the best-known Baroque masters.

George Frederick Handel’s “Dixit Dominus” combines technical fireworks with joyous spirituality. Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Cantata No. 4: Christ lag in Todesbanden” adds the calming influence of contemplation and inner reflection.

Francesco Durante’s seldom heard “Magnificat” lasts less than 10 minutes, but is considered a major work filled with all of the ornate counterpoint that typifies the style.

Schola music director Gregory Wait will conduct the chamber orchestra and the chorus.

Tickets for Saturday’s performance are $18 for adults, $13 for seniors and $6 for children and students.

For tickets and more information, call 903-6000 or visit Schola’s Web site at www.scholacantorum.org.