MOZART - ORFF
More than 120 singers perform an authentic version of the Requiem completed by Levin, accompanied by two pianos and tympani and the Carmina Burana, in the version 2 pianos/5 percussionists.
Saturday 15 June 2024
Brussels Centre for Fine Arts
8 pm
presents
The Requiem and Carmina Burana
A contrast of emotions and rhythms
ABOUT THE EVENT
The large choir of La Badinerie returns to the prestigious stage of the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels, to present two major works, both of great intensity: the Requiem by W.A. MOZART and the Carmina Burana by Carl ORFF. Four soloists and 120 choristers will be accompanied by two pianists and by the percussion ensemble Pentagramme, under the musical direction of Laëndi. This exceptional event is organized for the benefit of the Solidarité Grands Froids association, helping the homeless in the Brussels region.
THE CASTING: LA BADINERIE & FRIENDS
Rita Matos Alves
Soprano
Aveline Monnoyer
Alto
Berus Komarschela
Tenor
Samuel Namotte
Baritone
Mariano Ferrandez
Bernard Guiot
Laëndi
Piano
Piano
Artistic Director
La Badinerie
Large mixed choir Louvain-la-Neuve
The Programme
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Requiem will be performed in a version completed by Joseph Eybler, close friend of Mozart, Franz Xaver Süßmayr, young disciple of Mozart and by Robert Levin (1993), musicologist at Harvard and specialist in the works of Mozart. The transposition for two pianos and timpani was created by the pianists/composers Raymond Alessandrini and Mariano Ferrandez.This interpretation is a first in Belgium!
Based on an anonymous manuscript by the Goliards, wandering poets of the 12th and 13th centuries, the twenty‐four songs of the cantata Carmina Burana by Carl Orff are framed by an invocation to Fortuna, goddess of destiny and luck. They are organized into three main thematic sections: spring, the tavern and love.Carl Orff's music brilliantly expresses the vital energy of texts which celebrate the bucolic gaiety of spring, the pleasures of eating and drinking and the quest for love.
MORE ABOUT THE CONCERT
The bucolic gaiety of spring is evoked by the unison of a litany, before the joyous call of love launched by chiming bells. The dialogue gives way to a drunken invocation of the Queen of England, probably Eleanor of Aquitaine, wife of King Henry II Plantagenet, and initiator of one of the most famous courts of the courtly era.
The theatrical spirit of the second part of the work, “In Taberna” (at the tavern), is truculent: it begins with a satirical confession and, with unbridled pleasure, professes “pravitas”, depravity. This scene of revelry culminates in a rousing male chorus celebrating the pleasure of drinking with orgiastic exuberance.
In the third part, the “Cour d'amours”, feigned innocence alternates with refinement, amorous lament and the quest for love.
The reprise of O Fortuna at the end symbolises the wheel of fate turning in on itself; Orff had discovered it in miniature form in the Carmina Burana collection.
The version offered by Levin retains the structure of the orchestration and a part of Süßmayr's contributions, while adjusting the orchestration, voice direction and other instrumental passages in an attempt to bring the instrumentation more into line with Salzburg practice.
Other notable features include the inclusion of the Amen fugue after the Lacrimosa, an extension of Süßmayr's Osanna fugue following the models of the Great Mass in C minor. The orchestration of the Sanctus-Benedictus and Agnus Dei, as well as the choral parts in the Mozartian style, are very convincing and faithful to Mozart's thought:
Even though I've got into the habit of always imagining the worst - because death, strictly speaking, is the real final goal of our lives - over the last few years I've become so familiar with this true best friend of mankind that its image no longer frightens me, but rather reassures and consoles me !
videos
PHOTO GALLERY
A concert entirely for the benefit of Solidarité Grands Froids
Our main mission is to "help the homeless to live with dignity".
We help people in moral, physical or social difficulty by organising fund-raising activities and distributing material goods to the needy.
Our day-to-day actions affect the homeless in the Brussels region: throughout the year, they receive clothing, healthcare products, shoes and access to a "first aid" clinic.
Special attention is given to children and isolated women, and to the reintegration of disadvantaged people.
OUR PARTNERS
PARTICIPATE IN
THIS EVENT
Brussels Centre for Fine Arts
Saturday 15 June 2024 at 8 pm
Buy tickets by phone?
Call 02 507 82 00.
(ticketing of Bozar)
