Classical Concert Reviews Cinci

@sevenhillsbaroque presented the first in a series of converts under the title The Four Elements exploring the theme of Earth in the beautiful space that is First Lutheran Church in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Opening with the concerto ‘Les Sauvages’ by Michel Corette, an almost direct contemporary of Bach, Vivaldi and Mozart, the work melded many of the stylistic trademarks of the former two composers. These included a short second movement for solo harpsichord and extensive solos for violin in the first and third movements.
Mezzo-soprano Rachael Bell (@rachaelmbell) followed with a stunning performance of a solo cantata by Georg Frederic Handel, Figlio d’alte speranze. Cast in three interconnected movements as recitatives and arias in pairs, Bell gave a shimmering lightness of sound to the work which makes one appreciate the unique gifts Handel possessed for writing Italian vocal music, particularly in its final aria.
The second half opened with a new arrangement of the Appalachian folk song One Winter’s Night made by violinist Lindsey Tootle in memory of the victims of Hurricane Helene. It was a unique way to experience this style of music, and called to mind many of the albums released by the Baltimore Consort focused on Appalachian folk melodies.
Bell then gave a performance of the song In Darkness Let Me Dwell which was at once luminous and heartbreaking, reminiscent of figure such as Magdalena Kožená and Jakub Jósef Orliński.
Lutenist Christopher Wilkie closed the program with a wonderfully virtuosic performance of his own newly-composed Lute Concerto, drawing from the Italian, German and French traditions and hints of Spanish influences in the final movement. Solo cadenzas interspersed throughout possessed the free improvisatory spirit of Mozart and Beethoven, which is rare to find in music for lute from any period.
It is an equally rare treat to find a group giving historically informed performances of Baroque music on period instruments in Cincinnati, and Seven Hills Baroque definitely rises to the occasion. Looking forward to hearing more performances in this series in the months ahead.