An unforgettable concert at the Peralada Festival
The Peralada festival kicked off its second Easter evening on Good Friday, with a concert that captivated the audience. Baritone Benjamin Appl, accompanied by the Vespres d’Arnadí group, presented an exquisite program focused on the works of Bach and his contemporaries, exploring night and passion subjects.
The Magic of Interpretations
After the excellent performance of the Hasse oratory the day before, the Catalan Baroque team shone with a more intimate proposal. Encapsulated in a small format, they offered precise sound accompaniment, directed by the talented Dani Espasa to the positive organ.
A symphony that connects times
The concert began with the Symphony of Cantata BWV150, a minor work that flowed perfectly to a little known piece: the “Dulde Dich” aria by Philipp Heinrich Erlebach. This work, which suffered the loss of the most part in a fire, was surprised by his stylistic resemblance to Bach.
The Appl Voix and its link with the text
Benjamin Appl’s voice resonated with unique beauty, although he lacked a little power in the most serious notes. However, his ability to convey the meaning of the text brought a liederistic dimension to his interpretations. This quality became clear in the initial fragment of the lamentations of the prophet Jeremiah of Zelenka.
A Musical Dialogue between Instruments
After Zelenka, Appl returned to Bach with the Aryan “Es Isst Vollbracht” by the BWV159 cantata, where Daniel Lanthier’s oboe offered an exceptional soloist. Its execution surpassed the difficulties of some lines of the baritone, emphasizing its virtuosity.
A journey through the cantatas
The following work, the beginning of the Cantata der Am Ölberg Zagende Jesus of Telemann, allowed Appl to explore a wide range of dynamics. Despite some shortcomings in vocal power, its expressiveness shone, especially in the interaction with the Sylvan James violin.
The closure with Bach
The concert culminated in the symphony of Cantata BWV188, where Espasa exhibited his organ skills, causing an enthusiastic ovation from the audience. The Ich Habe BWV82 cantata closed the program, showing a delicate and nuanced vocal work, highlighting Lanthier’s virtuosity.
An amazing ending
As a tip, Appl performed Händel’s “How willing My Paternal Love”, a choice that broke with the concert’s pietist line, leaving the audience with an impression of musical diversity and a reflection on the evolution of baroque music.