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Nadine Sierra, Anthony Roth Costanzo, ensemble Photo: Karli Cadel for Glimmerglass |
Stabat Mater is an ancient Latin hymn telling the story of Mary at the foot of the Cross. Mr. Pergolesi's Stabat Mater was performed by soprano Nadine Sierra and countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo. The pair gave a beautifully expressive, vocally stunning performance of the work, under the expert musical direction of conductor Speranza Scappucci with the Glimmerglass Festival Orchestra. The voices of Ms. Sierra and Mr. Costanzo blended exquisitely, making Mr. Pergolesi's extensive use of parallel vocal lines and suspensions a delight.
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Viktoria Munro as the Match Girl Photo: Karli Cadel for Glimmerglass |
The second half of the program was Mr. Lang's Little Match Girl Passion and its companion piece, When We Were Children. I am not very well qualified to discuss new music. I do call myself a bel canto bear in a verismo world, you'll recall. But I did like Mr. Lang's harmonic language, and his interesting rhythms and meters that appeared to be unmeasured, various lines contrasting each other metrically. I was less enamored with his use of text, particularly the at times percussive effect of echoing words and word fragments, almost as if projecting a stammer. The ensemble sang the narrative of the match girl while the children's chorus sang commentary, much like a Passion by Mr. Bach. One of the most affecting moments for me is when the libretto (by Mr. Lang, after sources including Hans Christian Anderson and St. Matthew) suddenly switches over to quote from St. Matthew, having the girl herself sing "Eli! Eli! (My God! My God!)" When We Were Children is based on the text by St. Paul, "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought: but when I became a man, I put away childish things."
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At beautiful Glimmerglass Photo: BFF BS |
I can not praise highly enough the performing ensemble under the stage direction of Francesca Zambello. The Glimmerglass Festival Children's Chorus, led by former Young Artist and current music teacher Tracy Allen, sang Mr. Lang's music with gusto and charm, and clearly enjoyed what they were doing. The quartet of Julia Mintzer, James Michael Porter, Lisa Williamson, and Christian Zaremba sang what appeared to be very difficult music while also playing percussion instruments, including a bass drum and a marimba. There was no other instrumental accompaniment. Young Victoria Munro sang and acted the title role quite convincingly. All this was held together quite well by conductor David Moody.
I should also mention the beautiful costumes of Beth Goldenberg for both shows. Sets by Marjorie Bradley Kellogg and lighting by Mark McCullough were also quite well done.
All in all, I'd say the Stabat Mater elicited more emotion from me, while The Little Match Girl Passion elicited more analytical thought. I would also say to see one of the remaining performances of Passions. I would like to see it again myself.
One more thing. In my trips to the Cooperstown area I've had good luck and bad luck in terms of places I stay. I have finally struck gold with the Overlook Mansion B&B. Please click the link and check them out, and give them some business!
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