A suggestion or two for making this a classical music weekend
Lots of promising fare on the classical music scene this weekend. Here are a few things worth considering:
Opera Vivente offers what is billed as the American stage debut of the 1731 version of Handel's "Rinaldo" (the work dates from 1711). In whatever version, the opera is a feast of melodic invention; the plot about Crusaders, an enchantress and a whole lot more may not be the easiest to follow, but it's certainly engaging. I've attached a clip of one of the hits from the score, "Lascia ch'io pianga" (I resisted the temptation to post Streisand's version, since I know I'm just about the only person in the world who actually likes her classical album).
Marin Alsop and the Baltimore Symphony are back in a Russian mode this weekend. In addition to Rachmaninoff's "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini," there will be two Prokofiev symphonies, No. 1 and and the less often performed No. 6.
The Ravel Trio salutes Women's History Month with a program of works by women composers at the College of Notre Dame of Maryland.
Organist Donald Sutherland will be joined by his wife, noted soprano Phyllis Bryn-Julson (here as narrator), the C Street Brass Quintet and other artists in a program that includes works by Liszt, Ned Rorem, Samuel Adler, et al.
Pianist Andre Watts makes an overdue recital debut for the Shriver Hall Concert Series, playing an all-Liszt program.
The monthly Bach Concert Series features Cantata No. 170 and more.
And in Washington, Evgeny Kissin plays a recital (also all-Liszt) for Washington Performing Arts Society and the Post-Classical Ensemble explores the world of fascinating American composer Lou Harrison.
There's more, of course, but that should keep you busy enough. And now here's a gorgeous performance of that wonderful aria from Handel's "Rinaldo":
Comments
HeyTim-Thanks for the mention. And as to the Streisand rendition, I love it and actually mentioned it on WBJC during the preview promo piece I did last weekend.
If only Babs had recorded it with someone who knew about ornamentation. That would have produced even more delicious results, I'm sure. TIM
Posted by: John Bowen | March 4, 2011 2:50 PM
I'd give a particular nod to "Rinaldo" -- I was on a Händel kick about two years ago, and that was one of my _favourites_!!!
(I was exploring the umpteen Händel and Vivaldi operas for outlandish "vocal acrobatics," something which "normally" doesn't pique my interest in the least -- but I was absolutely _astounded_ by the stamina AND clarity of the singing on some of the live recordings I bought. And yes, the "name of the game" is melodic invention with these guys, if you can survive the oodles of often-tiresome recitative. ;^)
Posted by: Doug Halfen | March 5, 2011 2:12 AM
I saw Opera Vivente's Rinaldo on Sunday afternoon and look forward to another encounter with it this Saturday. This is one of the most striking sets that I've seen in the local opera scene, and the characters are all vividly sung and acted (special note for a most interesting sorceress Armida!). This is the 1731 version, which apparently cuts out some recitative and recycles some of the best arias from a less successful Handel opera.
Posted by: Clayton Koonce | March 7, 2011 5:39 AM
I love Classical Barbra. I've always found it perfect for a lazy, rainy day.
Thanks for your support (for supporting Barbra, I mean). TIM
Posted by: kevin | March 10, 2011 10:43 AM