Consolations with Paul Whelan
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Haydn’s rarely heard “Lamentatione” Symphony 26 opens a free hour-long concert in the Catholic Pro-Cathedral at 3 pm on Palm Sunday, 28 March, given by the CBS Orchestra.
The programme offers three very different works, all offering consolation to those who mourn. “Lamentatione” as a title connects the Haydn symphony to the following Holy Week. It is based on a traditional Austrian drama associated with singing the Passion, and uses musical themes derived from that liturgical chant, and the traditional Lamentations of Holy Thursday.
Cantata 82, “Ich Habe Genung” (I have enough), is among the most popular yet intimate of Bach’s many compositions. It was occasioned by the Feast of Candlemas, when old Simeon bursts into a song of praise, the Nunc Dimittis, upon seeing the tiny Jesus: “Now I have seen my Saviour, I can die in peace.” The music is sometimes melancholy, but far from mournful, and beautifully expressive of both delight and resignation. Jacqueline Kotula will play the important oboe part, and the very demanding solo vocal role is to be taken by international bass Paul Whelan, briefly back in Christchurch between opera seasons in Auckland and Wellington.
This concert culminates with Samuel Barber’s much-loved Adagio for Strings, which in its gentle intensity seems to open the gates of paradise. Ever since its introduction to the classical repertoire in New York City, 1938, it has been heard on tragic occasions, such as the collapse of the World Trade Centre in 2001, and the funerals of world leaders. It has also played a role in several popular movies. Natalia M. Lomeiko leads the orchestra, and musical director is Don Whelan.
CBS Music continues its popular Lunch Plus Wednesday At One recital series, presents the Bach St John Passion at 8 pm on Good Friday, and another Christmas Messiah at 1.30 pm on Sunday, 12 December. A first Christchurch performance of Bach’s St John Cantata: Freue Dich (Be Joyful, Ransomed Flock) coupled with the Mozart Solemn Vespers K339 will be given at 2 pm on Sunday, July 4. Another Christchurch Choral Festival is planned for August 15, at 3 pm.
In place of the usual Haydn symphony and Mass, the CBS choir, orchestra and soloists will perform his oratorio The Creation at 2 pm on Sunday 12 September, to mark the beginning of a new chapter for their cathedral music in Christchurch. A gala concert is planned for Saturday, 20 November at 7.30 pm, when it is hoped to achieve a concert performance of the Beethoven Missa Solemnis. The CBS musical year will conclude with a performance of Haydn’s Mariazellermesse at the Christmas Midnight Mass.
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