Aging Well - June 24, 2016
Ah the first concert of the Oregon Bach Festival this season was another Bach Mass in B Minor - quite likely the classical work that I have heard in concert more than any other and in many forms, from tiny chorus and orchestra on period instruments to massive choir and modern large orchestra and the work fares well under all treatments.
Last night was an in between, with a single line of singers arrayed around the back of the full stage creating a clarity of the voicing throughout the two choirs required by the music and accompanied by the delicacy of period instruments. It was exquisite. I begin this festival with deep gratitude for the technical care, beauty, and grace of the musicians.
The piece is nearly 300 years old and better than aging wine it is influenced by the conductors, musicians, voicing, and instrumentation chosen through different cultural times and tastes. It is wonderful to see the choices of our young conductor of period instruments, moderate sized chorus, and deeply felt passion.
Last night was an in between, with a single line of singers arrayed around the back of the full stage creating a clarity of the voicing throughout the two choirs required by the music and accompanied by the delicacy of period instruments. It was exquisite. I begin this festival with deep gratitude for the technical care, beauty, and grace of the musicians.
The piece is nearly 300 years old and better than aging wine it is influenced by the conductors, musicians, voicing, and instrumentation chosen through different cultural times and tastes. It is wonderful to see the choices of our young conductor of period instruments, moderate sized chorus, and deeply felt passion.
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| Matthew Halls, Maestro |
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