|
The first concert of Via Salzburg’s
season was amazing as usual. We have come to expect unusual
programs and were not disappointed. While the choices were not
unusual as far as the composers were concerned, who does not
know Johannes Brahms and Robert Schumann, the presentation of
these mega superstar composers was most unusual. In fact it was
like a theatrical production, a biographical work of both men
one might say.
Extraordinary actor Colin Fox narrated a script written by
Steven Isserlins, who stitched together a tapestry of not so
much known stories about the life of Brahms and Schumann and how
they interacted with each other or next to each other.
Invariably the narrative would lead to a concert piece, always
under the heading of “…and the greatest of these is love”.
The tragic story of Robert Schumann and his love for his wife
Clara, his admiration for Brahms, and the unrequited love Brahms
felt for Clara, especially after Schumann slipped away into the
dark crevices of his mind, were illustrated by various pieces of
music by the three composers, which include Clara’s Romance in A
Minor for Piano.
Anne Grimme spoke some immortal words and sang “Gebet” from
Lieder- OP 135, no 8, and from Liederabend fuer die Jugend,
accompanied by Yoval Fichman’s brilliant piano renditions.
There was a Scherzo for violin and piano by Brahms that gave
great opportunity for Mayumi Seiler’s virtuosity.
There was a Brahms piano quartet piece and in the end a Quartet
in C Minor with Rachel Mercer, cello, Naomi Seiler, viola,
Mayumi Seiler, violin and of course Yuval Fichman on the piano.
It was a glorious evening and a wonderful start to an exciting
new season for Via Salzburg.
On December 16 and 17 the voices of children from the Regent
Park School of Music join the chamber orchestra to celebrate the
season. Purchase your tickets at 416-872-4255 or go to www.viasalzburg.com
to find out more.
Messiah with Tafelmusik
There are many offerings of the
season’s bestseller of all times, an evergreen that has no
equal, the Messiah by Handel. There will be 2 performances at
St. Pauls Trinity Centre, conducted by Ivars Taurin, and then
one performance of the sing-along Messiah with “Maestro Handel”
and a fabulous cast of voices: Christine Brandes , soprano,
Daniel Taylor, countertenor, Rufus Mueller, tenor, and Brett
Poligato, baritone. For more information, also on upcoming Bach
concerts next year, go to
www.tafelmusik.org.
|
|
