.jpg)
Countertenor Andreas Scholl (courtesy Harmonia Mundi)
Countertenors fascinate me.
The countertenor represents a moment in history, especially the 17th century, when men who were feminine were desirable. Men were more masculine if they had feminine aesthetic characteristics. They also represent a time before women were welcome in concert music. Young boys, countertenors and castrati sang the vocal parts now known as alto and soprano. The countertenor was the David Bowie, the Prince, and the hair band of their time. They were divas, and their fans worshipped them like rockstars.
Now, a countertenor is not a castrato. A countertenor is a male vocalist who has mastered his falsetto - the higher, more "feminine" airier range of the male voice. Countertenors are hard to come by, but Berkeley will be graced this weekend by one of the best.
German countertenor Andreas Scholl has been called "the finest countertenor of his generation" and praised for his ability to “spin, float, and stretch a legato line, and to hit the center of his music’s emotional truth” by Opera News. Scholl sings contemporary works in addition to the traditional baroque countertenor repertoire. Italian composer Marco Rosano recently completed a new Stabat Mater for Scholl, which the singer debuted in February 2008 in Sydney. Scholl also sings pop music and writes music for theatre and ballet as well as pieces for an audiobook of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Emperor’s New Clothes and The Nightingale.
Lead by violinist Richard Tognetti, the Australian Chamber Orchestra called "one of the country's most celebrated ensembles by the Sydney Morning Herald returns to Cal Performances. Founded in 1973, The ACO's unique artistic style encompasses not only masterworks of the classical repertoire, but innovative cross-art form projects (much like this one with Scholl) and a vigorous commissioning program. Under the leadership of Tognetti the ACO has performed as a flexible and versatile 'ensemble of soloists,' on modern and period instruments, as a small chamber group, a small symphony orchestra, and as an electro- acoustic collective. In recognition of historical performance practices, only the cellist are seated during a performance, resulting in a visual of energy and individuality (Watch the video below).
I expect this concert will be one to be remembered.
Sunday's program will feature Haydn's Symphony No. 44 in E Minor, selected Handel arias, the United States Premiere of Australian Composer Roger Smalley's Footwork, and movements from The Monkey Mountains Suite by Czech composer Pavel Haas.
Buy tickets here, Sunday, April 26, 3pm Zellerbach Hall, University of California, Berkeley, $36/$56/$70
For more info: Cal Performances The Andreas Scholl Society Australian Chamber Orchestra
Comments