On 23 September 2022, a unique performance took place in the Koningin Elisabethzaal Antwerpen. It was a stylish affair, a true gala, but the crown jewel of the soirée was the programme: a song recital by Welsh bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel. With a repertoire ranging from folk songs to arias and – since you've managed to secure a Wagner baritone – fantastic pieces from Wagner's Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg and Die Walküre. The evening promised much, but rest assured it is certainly worth following the rest of the season of Antwerp Symphony Orchestra!
The orchestra
Antwerp Symphony Orchestra (ASO), the internationally acclaimed symphonic orchestra of Flanders and Belgium. Normally my forte as a reviewer is more on the vocal side, but the musicologist in me can never resist praising a good orchestral performance. The first part consisted of a selection of Wagner compositions – resounding, German Romantic music. If you want a combination where voice and orchestra come across equally powerfully and eloquently, the work of this German composer is simply a masterstroke. With "Die Ritt der Wälkuren" (Die Walküre, 1870) the ASO proved that their line-up consists of top musicians. Not only is carrying the melody difficult – brass sections everywhere, be warned – but the bowing techniques of the strings were equally commendable. Repeated short and forceful movements, the same technique and speed time and again, it is an art in itself. The result was a clear, sustained sound production. And in all-encompassing music, in its Gesamtkunst, every note is a necessity. Also the usual audience favourite, the overture to Jacques Offenbach's Orphée aux enfers (1858), was a work of art with the ASO. As a vocal reviewer it remains pleasant when praise can be given to an orchestra, because that proves the music works – both in the selection and in the performance.
Sir Bryn Terfel
As a music lover I have a great affection for bass-baritones: the devilish Scarpias, the cunning Figaros and the bombastic Falstaffs. Formerly my first place belonged exclusively to the masterly Ambrogio Maestri, but move over Maestri, you now share the throne with Bryn Terfel! Among the voices you absolutely must hear once in your lifetime I count as a reviewer the beautiful depths of Terfel. Deep, clear, powerful, piercing, but then also possessing such a sublime pianissimo in the messa di voce (a strongly sustained dynamic in the voice, held moreover) – it is not given to many. Furthermore, it can be said that Sir Terfel possesses an incredible amount of charisma, which he also displays with his audience. In addition to the previously mentioned Wagner pieces, he also brought folk songs and musical numbers, alongside the expected arias. Although each piece moved from beginning to end, special attention can be given to the aria of Mefistofele "Son lo spirito che nega" (Arrigo Boito, Mefistofele, 1868). Beautiful singing (Bel Canto) is one thing, being a whirlwind of dynamics and vocal technique is another. Terfel is a singer who has the power to deal very dynamically with his phrasing, and that came clearly to the fore in this aria. Expressions, dynamic tonal inflections and even whistling tones through the hall, it contained the whole package. It was also an aria that had the whole hall with him in energy, as became clear at the end when, spontaneously, and to Terfel's pleasure, several guests began to whistle. An active, enthusiastic audience breaking free from its corset – it should happen more often. Furthermore, he knew how to move with strong anecdotes in between. But ultimately his masterstroke was closing with folk songs from Wales, Ireland and Scotland. It was beautiful, and not often heard. And why not, throughout the year the classical audience must often listen to the same arias, but how rare is a good, varied and strong programme! Jerry Bock's musical number from Fiddler on the Roof (1964) "If I were a Rich Man" was the well-chosen final piece. After all, you end a gala in joy and energy.The opening gala of Antwerp Symphony Orchestra, with Sir Bryn Terfel was a masterstroke. Promise made debt, so this reviewer hopes with this well-deserved tribute to warm you as an audience for the orchestral season of ASO. It has certainly started very promisingly!
Information
WHAT: Opening gala Antwerp Symphony Orchestra with Sir Bryn Terfel, 23/09/2022
WHO: Sir Bryn Terfel (bass-baritone), Marcus Merckel (guest conductor), Antwerp Symphony Orchestra with compositions by Richard Wagner, Jacques Offenbach and Charles Gounod.
WHERE: Koningin Elisabethzaal, Antwerpen
WHEN: Sunday 23/09/2022
Agenda
- 30.09: Opening concert with Elim
- 13-15.10: Aimard plays Beethoven
- 11.11: Ein deutsches Requiem
- 25-26.11: De Oorlog (Peter Benoit)
- 04.12: Francks symphony in d
- 06.01: New Year's concert