Photo: Steven Godbee
Never before have these Neapolitan composers been heard in Australia, Paul Dyer explained at the beginning of this beautiful performance. Audience members in Brisbane were treated to a rare opportunity to hear music straight out of the Baroque period of Naples, Italy, featuring compositions by De Majo, Ragazzi, and Fiorenza, among others. The orchestra provides ample historical information about each composer, as well as the background and political influences that were dominant in Naples at the time.
Riccardo Minasi is brilliant in both his ability to perform as an artist, as well as his capability to lead the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra as a conductor. He is charismatic and selfless as he conducts, and ensures that the musicians of the orchestra are identified for their performances by the audience. The inspiration and assistance he provides to the orchestra members clearly reflects back, resulting in one of the best performances of baroque music you will ever hear. Gone are the days when orchestras would dress in uniform attire, performing with rigid backs while perched precariously on uncomfortable chairs. The musicians of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra are dedicated and truly love the opportunity to showcase their craft, getting their entire bodies involved in the process, living the music that they are playing.
The balance between the various strings, woodwinds, brass, and harpsichord at this concert was extraordinary. Audience members were drawn in by the music, barely noticing the departure and arrival of various musicians for each piece being performed. The result was a beautiful sound, flawless and majestic; it only begs the question as to why these Neapolitan composers are not more acknowledged when compared to ​their contemporaries such as Bach, Vivaldi and Telemann.
The soloists were powerful and talented, and managed to balance well with the rest of the orchestra. One aspect that can be noted however, is that despite more than half of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra being made up of women, not one of the soloists performing was a woman. A pity as it would be a benefit to see more brilliant female Australian musicians showcased in the arts generally. This fault aside, the Orchestra’s performance was without flaw, resulting in a majestic evening spent enjoying the greatest of baroque music.
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: Riccardo Minasi
Guest Director: Riccardo Minasi
Baroque Violin 1: Shaun Lee-Chen, Matt Bruce, Catherine Shugg, Bianca Porcheddu, Skye McIntosh
Baroque Violin 2: Ben Dollman, Sarah Dunn, Matt Greco, Simone Slattery, Rafael Font
Baroque Viola: Monique O’Dea, Marianne Yeomans, Simòn Gangotena
Baroque Cello: Jamie Hey, Anthea Cottee, Rosemary Quinn
Baroque Double Bass: Jacqueline Dossor
Baroque Oboe: Kirsten Barry, Owen Watkins
Baroque Bassoon: Peter Moore
Baroque Horn: Darryl Poulsen, Dorée Dixon
Harpsichord/Organ: Paul Dyer
Brisbane
QPAC, Concert Hall
26 October 2015
Additional dates:
Sydney, City Recital Hall
28 October – 6 November 2015
Melbourne Recital Centre
7–8 November 2015
