Sitting in a wooden choir pew normally occupied by a Benedictine monk, the exquisite beauty of Bach's Largo from his double violin concerto BWV 1043 washed over me in waves of surreal peace. Earlier in the program the unusual combination of an alto recorder and French horn playing Telemann's Concerto a Tre for Alto recorder, French Horn, Strings, and Continuo had found the sweet spot in my heart and glowed joyfully for many moments past the final chord.
The Memorial Day Concert at Mepkin Abbey, just outside of Charleston SC was our final stop before heading home from a quick trip to the Spoleto Festival this past weekend. Stately southern oaks, bedecked in Spanish moss line the entrance to this former plantation estate, now occupied by the Trappist Cistercian (Benedictine) order. The abbey church is a beautiful structure and the perfect place for not just a concert, but a reception afterwards on the beautiful shaded grounds.
The Magic of Two . . .
What did Bach and Telemann, and many other composers know about the power of two soloists playing or singing the same piece? It is such a lovely thing to behold and hear. I think part of the magic of this combination is its insistence on the peaceful unity of two strong minds and hearts in the giving of a mutual gift.
What did Bach and Telemann, and many other composers know about the power of two soloists playing or singing the same piece? It is such a lovely thing to behold and hear. I think part of the magic of this combination is its insistence on the peaceful unity of two strong minds and hearts in the giving of a mutual gift.
Perhaps listening to some of the exquisite duets in the repertoire together is one way to strengthen and grow a marriage, strengthen a budding friendship, rekindle a friendship, or reconcile sandpaper relationships. As Ann Shirley says, there are all kinds of "kindred spirits" in this world . . .
"Miss Barry was a kindred spirit after all," Anne confided to Marilla, "You wouldn't think so to look at her, but she is. . . Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It's splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.”
L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
What kindred-spirit relationships will you and I cultivate today? What things will we need to clear away like weeds in a growing garden? Taking one for granted? Suspicion? Waning commitment? Weariness? As St. Paul said, "Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (I Corinthians 13:7).
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| With my friend and violinist, Lois |
Over the years I have had the pleasure of playing many duets with others, both in concerts and recitals, and for worship services. The picture this genre of repertoire presents of two artist-musicians working together is perhaps as helpful as the music that is heard is spirit-enlarging. Certainly preparing and presenting the duet is an occasion for both performers to learn concepts of sharing, giving, nuance, and more. For those who are present to hear the work presented, the interplay between the two musicians can be a source of delight to behold. I remember with such fondness the instances and people with which I've played duets. Are you one of those people? Please accept my thanks once again for that gift of musical friendship.
On Monday's concert, we heard two double concertos. Following are a couple examples of this genre. The third one was played with great fire and skill on Monday's concert by the Ensemble of St. Clare with Leo Chin Siow and Yuriy Bekker, solo violins.
TELEMANN
Here is a work by Telemann featuring an oboe and trumpet. The performers are playing period instruments. Lovely! Telemann: Tafelmusik, Ouverture Nr.2 (excerpts) Bach Consort
VIVALDI
Here an 11 year old violinist plays with her teacher at the closing ceremony of the international television
festival "Golden Prague" 2010. As she plays, her joyful glances toward her mentor are so endearing.
J.S. BACH
Here is the very familiar double concerto by J.S. Bach, masterfully played by Rachel Podger & Andrew Manze. The Largo is one of my most favorite slow movements in any of the repertoire.It was a true delight to hear this concerto played at the Memorial Day Concert at Mepkin Abbey as part of the Piccolo Spoleto 2012 Spotlight Concert series.
VOCAL DUETS
duets from the Popular genre:
In the Arms of an Angel sung by Sarah McLachlan and Josh Groban
Sarah gives Josh a memorable "kindred-spirit" look at 3:05
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