(Vanessa Tait-Jones)
Baroque
2000’s 20th celebration offered an inspirational performance.
(Review by Keith Millar)
A large
audience attended the second concert in Durban’s illustrious Baroque 2000’s 2017
series, which took place at the Mariannhill Church of the Monastery last Sunday
morning.
The
attraction was a programme featuring the music of three of the baroque era’s
best known composers, Telemann, Bach and Handel, along with an appearance by
the popular soprano, Vanessa Tait-Jones.
Baroque
2000 is celebrating 20 years of baroque music making with their 2017 series and
this programme, along with their inspirational performance on the day, ensured
that it certainly was a celebration for all present at the concert.
The
first three items on the programme featured music from the German baroque composer and multi-instrumentalist, Georg Philipp Telemann (1681 –
1767). All three offered something a little different from the standard baroque
fare.
Telemann,
a mostly self-taught musician was one of the most prolific major composers of
all time. His all-encompassing oeuvre comprises an astonishing number of more
than 3,000 compositions.
The
first item performed on Sunday was his Concerto No. 3 a quattro violini TWV
40:203, one of a set of four violin concertos that Telemann wrote for four
violins without continuo. It is an exuberant work performed with gusto by the
ensemble’s violinists.
Next was
the “Conclusion” for oboe and trumpet -Tafelmusik II No.6. Tafelmusik
was music intended to be used at banquets and feasts. As might be expected, it
was often of a somewhat lighter character than music for other occasions.
Maggie Deppe playing the oboe was the stand-out performer in this work.
The
final Telemann composition on the programme was a solo violin piece, Fantasia
for violin solo in B Minor No.9 TWV40.22. This was beautifully performed by the
captivating Refiloe Olifant. One can’t help liking Olifant. She projects charm
and vivacity and this is also reflected in her playing.
Johann
Sebastian Bach’s (1685-1750) contribution to the programme was his “Weichet
nur, betrubte Schatten” (yield now, troubling shadows) BWV202, also known as
the “Wedding Cantata”. It is thought that he may have written this for his own
wedding in 1721, where his, bride Anna Magdalena, may well have sung it
herself.
Celebrated
soprano Vanessa Tait-Jones performed this work with skill, charm and sincerity.
Maggie Deppe’s contribution on the oboe during this work was also noteworthy.
Georg
Frideric Handel (1685-1759) was a German, later British baroque composer who spent the bulk of
his career in London, becoming well-known for his operas, oratorios, anthems, and organ concertos. His Concerto Grosso Op 6, No 3 in E Minor
HMV 321 brought this very enjoyable concert to its end. This piece is one of
twelve Grand Concertos Handel wrote to be played as “support acts” to his
oratorios. They are amongst the finest examples in the genre of baroque
concerto grosso.
There is
some doubt about the date of the May Baroque 2000 concert as the ensemble will
be travelling to Harare for a festival during the month. The date will be
widely advertised once it is confirmed.
Tickets for
Baroque 2000 concerts are R150 at the door, and there is ample safe parking
available. For more information contact Michel Schneuwly on 031 312 5539 or 082 303 5241 or email: sursouth@iafrica.com – Keith Millar
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