One or two commentators recently wrote about the so-called demise of classical music, to which many quickly pointed out that this is mostly an American phenomenon (I happen to think music appreciation is growing even in the U.S., but thats a another story). Art music is definitely alive and well in Europe and Asia, where concerts like this one are always packed. Listen for the first two minutes and youll see why. The European Union Baroque Orchestra is a group of some of the most talented young professionals in Europe at any given time, and in this performance they begin with a concerto grosso by Handel. The first minute or so is fast paced exchange in the strings, until the oboes apply the brakes (01:13). But then the first violinist leads a transition into a rich, erotic second movement (starting at 01:48). Seriously... the motion in the lower strings against the sustained oboe line are like an aural massage. One more thing - read the musicians facial expressions between 08:00 and 09:50 to see how much they enjoy playing together, and listen to how coherent the group is. The concerto ends at about the 10 minute mark, and then they tune again and begin the second work, an Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne. The ode is a poem with 7 stanzas, each followed by the chorus singing the words The day that gave great Anna birth, who fixd a lasting peace on earth! Some highlights are: 23:44 – Duet for Baritone & Male Alto (Countertenor): 25:35 - Chorus: 35:25 – The finale - Male Alto solo, echoed by the chorus at 36:20: United nations shall combine, To distant climes their sound combine, That Annas actions are divine, And this the most important day! The day that gave great Anna birth, Who fixd a lasting peace on earth. bit.ly/1lpcDRv
Posted on: Sun, 09 Mar 2014 11:41:29 +0000
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