Classical Concert Reviews Cinci

It’s always a treat to see Krista Cornish Scott (@crunchy.kj) conduct as part of the regular concert season for Collegium Cincinnati (@collegium_cincy) but it is equally exciting to see her and her husband, Brett Scott, conduct together for the first time in a program of Baroque music for Lent and Holy Week. With an ensemble of only 10 singers, two violins, cello, continuo and theorbo, today’s concert highlighted masterworks by Heinrich Schütz (considered the most prominent German baroque composer before Bach) and otherwise little-known Italian baroque women composers who were also cloistered nuns. A “cloistered ensemble” of two sopranos and alto sang the latter selections, including a gorgeous setting of the Stabat Mater by Sulpitia Ceais.
A larger ensemble of 7 voices in various combinations turned in beautifully rendered performances of Schütz’s Seven Last Words from the Cross and selections from his Musikaliche Exequien, first published in 1636 and written for the funeral of Henry II, Count of Reuss-Gera. In both pieces, Italian influences such as florid solo writing and choral sections built on the German chorale tradition are placed on equal footing, and the assembled ensemble tackled both of them wonderfully.
Looking forward to note performances of Schütz’s music in Cincinnati and more collaborations from two of the best choral conductors in the city.