The Radiance of Talents in Vilabertran
The Vilabertran Schubertíade has welcomed its second chapter, raising expectations by bringing together renowned artists in an environment that stands out for its musical quality. Despite previous events in Vilajuïga and Pals, the festival has chosen to present the best of its repertoire from the start.
Frontline Artists
Highlights include the Cosmos Quartet, a Catalan group that has made its mark since its debut in 2018, and soprano Katharina Konradi, acclaimed for her exceptional talent. Originally from Kyrgyzstan, Konradi has made this festival her musical home, returning every year since her first performance.
Versatility on Stage
Konradi is known for her ability to move gracefully between operatic repertoire and romantic lied, making her a versatile figure who continues to surprise her audiences. This year, her performance focused on a programme that celebrated the work of Schubert, offering an experience that fuses recital with chamber concert.
The Program: A Tribute to Schubert
The recital featured a variety of musical combinations: from solo quartets to collaborations with the soprano, creating a sonic dialogue that kept the audience captivated. A notable highlight was the performance of lieder transcriptions, a practice that revitalizes the repertoire and allows for a new appreciation of the music.
A Promising Beginning
The evening began with the Cosmos Quartet performing Quartet No. 10 D. 87, where precision in execution and harmony between the musicians established a sound environment conducive to the music. Each movement flowed naturally, showing an evident connection between the performers and the space.
The Soprano and her Brilliant Interaction
The collaboration between Konradi and the quartet was consolidated in a series of performances that included arrangements by José María Sánchez-Verdú. The soprano elevated Goethe’s verses in ‘Wandrers Nachtlied II’, displaying her ability to convey emotion through her voice. The high point came with ‘Gretchen am Spinnrade’, where the connection between all the musicians reached its maximum expression.
Special Moments
Among the highlights, the performance of ‘Vinyes verdes’, a work by maestro Eduard Toldrà, was particularly well received, adding a nostalgic touch to the programme.
Joseph Middleton’s Contribution
Pianist Joseph Middleton also played a crucial role in this musical day. His performance of ‘So lass mich scheinen’ and ‘Nur wer die Sehnsucht kennt’ held the audience’s attention, while his solos, including the ‘Ungarische Melodie D. 817’ and the acclaimed ‘Impromptu D. 899’, demonstrated his virtuosity.
Emotional Closing
The evening culminated with lieder such as ‘Im Frühling’ and ‘Frühlingsglaube’, which reflected nostalgic hope, while Fernando Obradors’ miniatures offered a charming close. Konradi’s precise diction, complemented by Middleton’s attentiveness, left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.
An Unforgettable Evening
The event stood out not only for its musical quality, but also for the emotional connection that the performers managed to establish with the audience, reaffirming the role of the Vilabertran Schubertíade as a meeting point for classical music and performing arts.
