BAROQUE 2000 CONCERT: JULY 29, 2012

Truly excellent Baroque music in historic Church of the Mariannhill Monastery. (Review by Keith Millar)

There can be no better way of spending a Sunday afternoon after a busy weekend. Relaxing in the peace and tranquility of the Mariannhill Monastery, a cup of coffee and a slice of chocolate cake at the Monastery Tea Garden and, afterwards, a concert of some truly excellent Baroque music in the Monastery's historic Church.

Unfortunately, not very many people seem to share my beliefs as no more than about 100 attended this concert presented by the Baroque 2000 ensemble. This is a great pity as they would have seen a group of very fine musicians at the top of their form in a programme of seldom-heard gems. This ensemble of hard-working musicians from the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra produces a series of baroque concerts every year which offers the classical music lover the rare opportunity to experience live performances of music of this genre. They deserve all the support and encouragement they can get in their endeavours.

Sunday’s programme started with George Philip Telemann’s La Lyra. The German-born composer was one of the most respected and prolific composers of the Baroque era with literally thousands of works being attributed to him. La Lyra is a suite of dances in the French style. A highlight of this work is the third movement which is a charming orchestral representation of the Hurdy Gurdy. The ten piece ensemble played the composition with warmth and vibrancy.

The only problem during this item was the competition from a highly amplified fund-raising concert on an adjoining sports field. It is a credit to the ensemble that they were able to maintain their concentration and play with such accuracy.

Next on the agenda was another composition by Telemann, Suite in A Minor for Recorder and Strings. This performance featured the attractive Samantha Goldblatt on the recorder. She is a very talented young musician who played with an elegant grace which belied her youth. She has a bright future ahead of her in the music world. The sympathetic and supportive playing by the stings ensured a very enjoyable musical experience.

The concert was rounded off with the Concerto Grosso OP 6 No5 by Georg Frideric Handel, a work he remarkably wrote in two days. This is baroque music at its best, and the spirited performance by the orchestra ensured that we were not left disappointed at the end of the concert.

The charming Church of the Mariannhill Monastery which was built in 1887 is an ideal venue for the Baroque 2000 Concerts. It has a bright, lively acoustic which suites this type of music perfectly. The only problem is with the sightlines. The orchestra is situated at floor level and it is difficult to see them from all but the few of front rows. It would be ideal if they could be elevated a bit to eradicate this problem. Having said that, the audience was there mainly to listen and not view. And what they heard was another excellent concert in the series produced by Baroque 2000. These concerts are well worth a visit. You won’t be disappointed.

Baroque 2000 is sponsored by Die Rupert Musiekstigting. More information on Baroque 2000 activities from Michel on 082 303 5241 or email: sursouth@iafrica.com – Keith Millar