The concert was entitled Haendel: La Resurrection (“Handel: La Resurrezione, Sacred Oratorio in Two Parts”). The concert was conducted by Vaclav Luks, and it featured Kateřina Kněžíková (soprano), Hana Blažíková (soprano), Mariana Rewerski (alto), Eric Stoklossa (tenor), Tobias Berndt (bass). This concert can be regarded as an excellent example of Baroque music. I chose Baroque music as I felt I needed to listen to more pieces pertaining to this style.
For me, this style is the closest as the two other styles we learned are too solemn (Medieval) or too folk, so-to-speak (Renaissance). I love ornamental music, which is simple and, at the same time, very complicated. I chose Handel as he is a representative of the period of Late Baroque. I believe it is the highest form of style. Handel managed to employ the experience of previous composers and create a majestic piece. The piece is very refined and exquisite. The harmony of various musical instruments and voices is truly amazing.
The piece is an oratorio, which is similar to opera, as there is a choir and/or soloists and orchestra. Opera is a characteristic feature of Baroque style. It is necessary to note that this style is highly ornamental. The chordal foundation and homophony can be seen as characteristic features of Baroque music. Handel’s oratorio is another example of these characteristics as the following instruments are employed: bass viol, violins, cellos, double bass as well as trombones, trumpets, oboes.
The orchestra included more than twenty instruments, and each of them played its own part, which was only an element of a major piece. This complicated composition is also typical of the style. It is important to note that bass was often utilized in baroque pieces. Thus, there were bass instruments and bass vocals. Another characteristic of the piece is its functional harmony, which is typical of baroque music. It is necessary to note that religious themes were still used in operas and oratorios.
Handel’s oratorio is also based on a religious topic, as it tells a story of the encounter of Maria Magdalena, Lucifer, and a number of saints. Of course, this is an eternal story of the conflict between the good and the evil. The oratorio is quite grand, but, at the same time, it is easy to follow, and it is very appealing.
Even though it is an online concert, I had a feeling I was there. I did not take any breaks. I turned off the light and watched the concert. The atmosphere of the concert inevitably passed on to me. This atmosphere was quite magical. The orchestra played beautiful and quite grand music. The mix of string and wind instruments was absolutely stunning. Vocals emphasized the grandeur of the piece. They also helped to picture the story better.
The location where the concert took place also contributed to the creation of a specific atmosphere of divine presence. I have to admit that I did not understand the words, but I understood the story. This was a really amazing experience as I felt I could understand music and melodies rather than words.
It was also remarkable that I had various images in my head when I was listening to the oratorio. I pictured Magdalena, Lucifer, and the saints trying to prove that God is glorious and almighty. I believe this is the power of music and Baroque style, in particular, as it was very appealing.
The people in the concert hall were all music lovers. It was clear that the audience often wanted to burst into applause, which shows that the people loved the music and performance. However, there was silence in the audience as people did not want to interrupt the performance and ruin the atmosphere. It is difficult to say who those all people were, but it was clear that they came to the concert to listen to a beautiful oratorio, enjoy Baroque style or, particularly, Handel’s creation.
I was pleased that people were absorbed by the oratorio, and no one ever interrupted the flow of the music. There were no coughs or any noises, which often appear during concerts. This time it was a complete pleasure. All people were focused on the oratorio, and I believe each had his/her own daydreams.
It is possible to note that the audience loved the oratorio. People were applauding for a long time. Some were applauding on their feet. This shows that people enjoyed the concert. I could actually feel the pleasure of all those people. As far as I am concerned, I totally enjoyed the concert. I loved the music, vocals, audience, concert hall, and the atmosphere.
Unfortunately, I did not have an opportunity to attend a concert, but I will definitely try to attend one in the nearest future. I think the emotions will be the same. However, it is more likely that I will enjoy a live concert even more as I will be truly integrated into the musical piece.
Works Cited
Handel: La Resurrezione, Sacred Oratorio in Two Parts. Web.