La Nuova Musica - Monteverdi Vespers
Brighton Dome Concert Hall, Sunday, May 23
Baroque performing consort La Nuova Musica performed Monteverdi’s Vespers, interspersed with madrigals and excerpts from the same composer’s opera ‘L’incoronazione di Poppea’, resulting in a stunning performance that felt positively opulent after a year of concerts through screens.
Ten singers were joined onstage by eight musicians, including harpsichordist and conductor David Bates, in rotating arrangements for the different works.
The programme opened with a beautiful, plaintive harp solo from Joy Smith, ‘Toccata seconda’ by Giovanni Maria Trabaci, the only non-Monteverdi work.
Second piece ‘Dixit Dominus’ introduced the jaunty pace and vivid strumming of the musicians, a pace which would continue through many of the pieces.
Sopranos Joanne Lynn and Julia Doyle shone, with a pure tone and thrilling interplay, reaching their apotheosis in the delicate beauty of duet ‘Pur ti miro’.
David Bates conducted and played in a buoyant and joyful mood, with complicated intertwining parts deftly balanced in ‘Vorrei baciarti’, a highlight for the musicians.
This included theorbo, harpsichord, bass violin, harp, organ and more: a rich musical feast that was a joy to hear in person. ‘Laudate pueri’ meanwhile was a choral ensemble highlight, with beautiful washes of sound throughout the tenors, countertenors, sopranos and bass.
Tenor Benjamin Hulett opened ‘Nigra Sum’ with a stunning vibrato and soaring dramatic moments, while in the next movement, countertenor Hugh Cutting showcased a resplendent lower register.
Another individual highlight of the evening came from soprano Julia Doyle’s solo in ‘Voglio di vita uscir’, sung with great tenderness and beauty.
Final song ‘Lauda, Jerusalem’ was jubilant and energetic, making for a thrilling finale to a stunning performance.
La Nuova Musica’s varied, delightful, lyrical programme was a highlight of Brighton Festival thus far.
****
Joe Fuller
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