Rossignol Concert at First Lutheran Church
Music of the 17th and 18th Century Performed by Karosi and Drake
Jun 13, 2009
In a concert at the First Lutheran Church in Boston on June 9, 2009, the classical music ensemble Rossignol brought their audience music from the 17th and 18th centuries.
That particular historical era saw Europe fall in love with Greek and Roman mythology, especially with the gold mine of stories these mythologies contained. Such tales paint larger than life scenarios and pit celestial against mortal beings. In keeping with such lofty affairs, the theme of the Tuesday evening concert was Love. And not just any love, but that of the gods themselves.
The ensemble featured Bálint Karosi on the harpsichord and Megan Drake as soprano, with Jane Leggiero and Sarah Paysnick accompanying on viola de gamba and Baroque flute, respectively.
The concert offered a selection of French and Italian music, reflecting soprano Megan Drake's own interests, especially her love for French music. The ensemble's name is also the French word for nightingale, and Ms. Drake's sweetly clear soprano suggests that she is a rossignol herself.
Works by Campra, Frescobaldi, Le Camus and Lambert
The first piece on the program, "O dulcis Amor" by André Campra, was the only one sung in Latin and explored the subject of sacred love. Set in alternating arias and recitatives, the song moved from mournful lament to exaltations to joyful 6/8 pastorals to the "sweet songs" described in the text. Ms. Drake's effortless high notes, clean diction, bell-like tone and nimbleness made this song one of the most beautiful on the program.
The concert was also the first time that Karosi's brand new harpsichord was unveiled for an audience, and the "Toccata Nona" by Girolamo Frescobaldi showcased his talents next. His enthusiasm for his new instrument and respect for music was easily apparent: passing city emergency vehicles prompted him to stop and wait for the sirens to fade before beginning the piece again.
A set of four shorter songs by Sébastien Le Camus and Michel Lambert followed next. The last of these, "Goutons un doux repos ("Let Me Taste a Soft Rest") by Michael Lambert, was an song achingly beautiful in its simplicity. Ms. Drake's voice was accompanied only by the viol de gamba playing a slow ground bass figure.
Karosi returned to his new harpsichord for "Bergamasca," also by Frescobaldi. For such a small, un-miked instrument, the new harpsichord produced lovely, rich sound that carried throughout the interior of the First Lutheran Church.
"Europe" by Michel Pignolet de Montéclair: The Tale of Jupiter, Europe and Sacrificial Love
Finally, the concert wrapped up with the tale of Jupiter and Europe, the fair maiden who gave a continent her name. Composed by Michel Pignolet de Montéclair, the set of arias and recitatives recounts how Jupiter's great passion for Europe caused him to leave his lofty palaces and transform himself into a lowly bull, just so he could introduce himself to her.
Of course, Europe never guesses this friendly beast has designs on her virtue and hops directly on board the bull's back for a wild ride that ends up as a frolic in the sea. Later Jupiter reveals himself and recounts all the honors he gave up just to be with her. The song then urges listeners to follow such a worthy example of sacrificial love.
Left with such an exhortation, the sparse but faithful audience members congratulated the musicians before dispersing into the Boston streets.
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