(Erik Dippenaar)
All in all, a very
satisfying concert. (Review by Keith Millar)
Baroque 2000’s
third concert of their 2016 series took place last Sunday morning at the hallowed
Marianhill Church of the Monastery.
The concert
showcased the harpsicord with the programme including two concertos for the
instrument. This keyboard instrument, which is one of the forerunners to piano,
defines baroque music with its ever-present tinkling sound providing part of the
basso continuo in so much of the music of this era.
Playing the
harpsichord at this concert was the celebrated and multi-award winning
harpsichordist and organist from Cape Town, Erik Dippenaar.
Dippenaar has
performed with Baroque 2000 before and this was a welcome return visit as he performed
with superb skill and sensitivity. He played the Harpsichord Concerto in G
Major by William Hayes and the Harpsichord Concerto BWV in D Major by Johan
Sebastian Bach, and proved that he is a master of the instrument. Along with
the Baroque 2000 ensemble, consisting on this occasion of four violins, viola,
cello and double bass and the harpsichord, he produced an exquisite and
enthralling performance of the beautifully melodic music.
William Hayes was
an English composer, organist, singer and conductor. His vocal works were
extremely popular and he is regarded as one of the finest English composers of
the 18th century.
Johann Sebastian
Bach needs no introduction. This German composer is revered for the technical control,
artistic beauty, and intellectual depth of his music. His Concerto for Harpsichord
in D Major is an adaptation of his earlier ViolinConcerto in E major.
Also on the
programme was William Boyce’s Symphony No.1, and two works by George Frideric Handel
- his Trio Sonata No.6 in G Major HWV 390 and his Concerto Grosso Op. 6 No. 2
in F Major HWV 320. Boyce, like Hayes, was an English composer and organist. He
is not well-known and is best remembered for his set of eight symphonies, his anthems and his odes.
Handel is arguably
best known for his Water Music, Music for the Royal Fireworks and of course Messiah. He was a prolific baroque composer
and the works performed at this concert are fine examples of his output
The Baroque 2000
ensemble, along with Erik Dippenaar, were in top form and performed with
considerable charm and appeal for these works as well.
All in all, it was
a very satisfying concert which drew a deserved standing ovation from the
audience.
A visit to the
Marianhill Monastery on a warm winter’s morning, to listen to some superb music,
is a most pleasant experience – and the good news is that the tea garden at the
Monastery has re-opened and offers breakfasts and
lunches.
The next Baroque
2000 concert will take place towards the end of August. Keep your eye on the
press for details or contact Michel at sursouth@iafrica.com or 031 312 5539 or 082 303 5241.- Keith
Millar
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