BACH AKADEMIE AUSTRALIA THE OBBLIGATO SONATAS
BACH AKADEMIE
AUSTRALIA THE OBBLIGATO SONATAS
ST
JAMES ‘ CHURCH SYDNEY /MELBOURNE DIGITAL CONCERT HALL
JUNE 2021
This was a glorious concert, filmed as
part of the MDCH series at St James Church Sydney .We heard all of the sonatas
except no.4 in a glorious performance of five of J.S. Bach’s six Obbligato
Sonatas by Bach Akademie Australia founder and Artistic Director Madeleine
Easton on violin, with Anton Baba on
cello or viola da gamba and harpsichordist Neal Peres Da Costa. Easton
introduced each of the sonatas , quoting throughout the performance Rita
Steblin’s book about the characteristics
of keys in 18th and 19th century music , before the intense, yet precise and controlled
playing . The sonatas were written in Bach’s Cothen period, where he wrote
quite a bit of his instrumental music before moving to Leipzig .Listeners
become conscious of the precise , delicate structure of the works.
First
we heard the Sonata for violin and obbilgato harpsichord No 1 BWV 1014 which is
meant to exude an aura of calm and patience.
The
first movement was rather slow, flowing, richly layered and resonated.
The second movement leapt joyously with the skittering violin
leading.There was a dynamic , bouncy discussion between the violin and the
other two.
In the third movement the violin languished sadly , the other two
accompanying , with pizzicato on the cello.
The fourth movement by contrast was fast , breathless and whirling
, led by Easton
The
sonata for violin and obbilgato harpsichord No 2 BWV 1015 came next – the key
of which exemplifies ‘ innocent love’ .
The
first movement was soulful and yearning with an aching violin.
Whereas
the second movement with its energetic , circular , leaping melody was rather
joyous . The melody was stated by the violin then repeated and developed
The
third movement consisted of a heartfelt outpouring by the violin , with
delicate underlying accompaniment murmured by the harpsichord
With
its forceful , springy start and repeated circular melody the fourth movement
develops into a dialogue between the violin and the other two instruments.
Bach’s
third sonata for violin and obbligato harpsichord No 3 BWV 1016 followed, where
Bach wanted us to feel that this sonata represented life, flickering
fire and pleasure.
The first movement with its shimmering violin was phoenix like, while
the cello rumbled and the harpsichord sounded like raindrops.
The second movement has a strong underlying beat while the violin darted
and swooped.
In the third movement the cello pads wearily, the harpsichord agreeing ,
with the violin joining in the thoughtful , slow and even flow of music.
The fourth movement with its showy flourishes was breathless, with the
violin scurrying, seeming to fly around like an anxious bird.
After
interval we heard Sonata for violin and obbilgato harpsichord No 5
BWV 1018 , regarded as one of Bach’s most profound works and expressing groans
of misery.The first movement was rich deep and very moving. , with anguished
rumbling cello and weeping ,sighing violin.
The second movement was brisker and brighter ,if
jittery ,and was a vigorous conversation between the trio.
The
third movement was a duet for violin and harpsichord , flowing in heartfelt ,
melancholy discussion.
The
fourth movement with its circular structure was ebullient , whirling and
pulsating.
Lastly
we heard Sonata for violin and obbilgato harpsichord No 6 BWV 1019 – we are
meant to find it calm and tender and expressing the spirit of friendship.
It
opened with a darting ,bubbly violin in the first movement , with the cello
rumbling in agreement and the harpsichord also trying to keep up.
The
second movement was slower and more passionate.
The
third movement saw a speedy, sparkling harpsichord solo by Neal
Peres Da Costa that rippled and darted with assorted flourishes.
The
fourth movement was contemplative , many layered and refined .
The
final movement with its circular structure and heavily accented beat began
briskly with an emphatic opening by the violin, which showily led the
discussion throughout.
A sensational concert
Program
Sonata
for violin and obbilgato harpsichord No 1 BWV 1014
Sonata
for violin and obbilgato harpsichord No 2 BWV 1015
Sonata
for violin and obbilgato harpsichord No 3 BWV 1016
Sonata
for violin and obbilgato harpsichord No 5 BWV 1018
Sonata
for violin and obbilgato harpsichord No 6 BWV 1019
Performers
Madeleine
Easton – Violin
Neal
Peres Da Costa – Harpsichord
Anton
Baba – Viola da Gamba/Cello
Running time – just over 2 hours including interval
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