Musicians and
singers on top form in an exciting and joyous selection of music. (Review by
Keith Millar)
Last Sunday was a
special day in the history of Durban’s excellent Baroque 2000 ensemble. The
celebration of 20 years of entertaining audiences with their wonderful performances
of baroque music.
And what a spectacular
and festive event it turned out to be. The Mariannhill Monastery Church was filled
nearly to capacity with an appreciative audience, the musicians and singers
were on top form, the programme presented an exciting and joyous selection of
music, and to top it all, tea and cake was served in the Cloisters at the
Monastery after the concert. It was certainly a jubilant and memorable
occasion.
The main item on
the programme was Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s (1643–1704) brilliant Te Deum. This ‘Song of The Church’
featured soloists Elsabe Richter (soprano), Lente Louw (mezzo-soprano), Monika Voysey
(mezzo-soprano), Willem Bester (tenor) and Keaton Manwaring (bass), along with
the Durban Chamber Choir and members of the Odeion Singers.
They were backed by
an enhanced Baroque 2000 ensemble which included oboes, flutes, trumpet,
bassoon and percussion along with the usual strings and harpsichord. The
conductor was Lance Phillip from the Odeion School of Music at the University
of the Free State.
The ceremonial and
dramatic Overture from Charpentier’s Te
Deum, which is popularly used as a wedding march, sets the tone for this magnificent
work. It is powerful, melodious and colourful and it was performed with superb
skill and elegance by the ensemble and singers alike. It served as a fitting
commemoration of Baroque 2000’s 20th anniversary.
The first part of
the programme took the audience on a visit to the Palace of Versailles for a
selection of music from French composer Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764), who
was a court composer for Louis XIV.
Rameau was one of
the most important composers and music theorists of the baroque era. He was celebrated
for his innovative and popular operas, and this was the source of the musical pieces
performed by the Baroque 2000 ensemble.
It was a delightful
selection which offered everything from the grand and imposing sounds of the
Overture from the opera-ballet Zaïs
to the gentle and delicate flutes of Air
tendre pour les Muses from Le Temple
de la Glorie.
In all, six operas
were represented with the Chaconne
and Dance des Sauvages from Les Indes Galantes providing high points
with plenty of colour and dramatic percussion and trumpet sounds.
Baroque 2000 plays
a very important role in Durban’s musical life. It is of great credit to the
musicians and their director, Michel Schneuwly, as well as their main sponsor, Die
Rupert Musiekstigting, that they have achieved this significant milestone.
Congratulations to all - and may there be many more anniversaries!
The next Baroque
2000 concert will take place at the Mariannhill Monastery Church on November 19
at 15h00. It will feature the Drakensberg Boys Choir in Vivaldi’s Gloria.
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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