The outstanding features of Steffani’s enchanting chamber duets are
their contrapuntal sophistication, and the need for extremely
accomplished solo singers with the sensitivity necessary for performing
complex chamber music. Johann Mattheson recognized both facets in 1739,
confirming that Handel had chosen his models for this genre wisely, and
also that, in his estimation, Steffani’s works remained unsurpassed.
Colin Timms’ 1987 essay, Steffani’s Influence on Handel’s Chamber Duets,
explored the various ways in which Handel appropriated Steffani’s
thematic material, contrapuntal style, and overall duet structure for
his own works. An Emeritus Professor of Music at the University of
Birmingham (UK), Dr. Timms provided the inspiration for this
extraordinary Boston Early Music Festival (BEMF) recording project and
concert, and has been very generous in helping to shape it. Under the
direction of BEMF Musical Directors Paul O’Dette and Stephen Stubbs,
four stunning vocalists—sopranos Amanda Forsythe and Emoke Baráth, tenor
Colin Balzer, and baritone Christian Immler—and a continuo team of six
brilliant instrumentalists present a selection of Steffani’s gorgeous
chamber duets, as well as instrumental gems from the Baroque.
The outstanding features of Steffani’s enchanting chamber duets are
their contrapuntal sophistication, and the need for extremely
accomplished solo singers with the sensitivity necessary for performing
complex chamber music. Johann Mattheson recognized both facets in 1739,
confirming that Handel had chosen his models for this genre wisely, and
also that, in his estimation, Steffani’s works remained unsurpassed.
Colin Timms’ 1987 essay, Steffani’s Influence on Handel’s Chamber Duets,
explored the various ways in which Handel appropriated Steffani’s
thematic material, contrapuntal style, and overall duet structure for
his own works. An Emeritus Professor of Music at the University of
Birmingham (UK), Dr. Timms provided the inspiration for this
extraordinary Boston Early Music Festival (BEMF) recording project and
concert, and has been very generous in helping to shape it. Under the
direction of BEMF Musical Directors Paul O’Dette and Stephen Stubbs,
four stunning vocalists—sopranos Amanda Forsythe and Emoke Baráth, tenor
Colin Balzer, and baritone Christian Immler—and a continuo team of six
brilliant instrumentalists present a selection of Steffani’s gorgeous
chamber duets, as well as instrumental gems from the Baroque.
Comentarios
Publicar un comentario