Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Double Header!



Monday night David and I were thrilled to be totally engulfed in the music of J.S. Bach as presented by the amazing Jane Glover and Music of the Baroque.

The occasion was Bach's Christmas Oratorio, six cantatas that were written for the days after Christmas and first presented in the Nikolaikirche in Leipzig. John and I were in that church in 1975 for a  concert given by Wilhelm Hoffman, one of Bach's successors in the position. 


It is a remarkable work and was presented with Ms. Glover's usual artistry and vigor. She is a miracle. So  completely musical that she involves everyone about her, the chorus, the orchestra, the audience in a complete understanding of the work.



The soloists were Yulia Van Doren, soprano, Elisabeth DeShong, mezzo-soprano, Thomas Cooley, tenor, and Tyler Duncan, baritone.

I have heard Ms Van Doren previously and commented on her singing.

Yulia Van Doren credit Daniel Iannini.jpeg

Ms. De Shong has a rich mezzo voice with a wide range and sang with great beauty and energy.




Mr. Cooley has a tenor voice that still has a good low range as well as an easy top.

Thomas_Cooley credit Paul Foster-Williams.jpg

Mr. Duncan has a very expressive, fine baritone and sang extremely well.



But I must give all accolades to Ms. Glover. She is the best choral conductor I have ever heard; and I have heard and sung under the greats!

Brava!! 

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From the sublime to the ridiculous!

Tuesday night we saw The Book of Mormon which we saw several years ago and enjoyed. They should sub-title this 'Part Two' since it is a completely different show.

It is loud, crass, and boring! I hated it!!