Pure Joy, a Gentle Caress
Jubilee 25th season of the Baroque Soirées concert series was brought to a close by a truly enchanting evening at the Church of St Simon and Jude. The ensemble performed with nine players: two recorders, two Baroque violins, viola, cello, theorbo, double bass, and harpsichord, with an organ positive as an alternative. Collegium Marianum once again confirmed why it stands at the top of its field, demonstrating perfect ensemble cohesion as well as an excellent selection of soloists.
Together with Collegium, the audience joined in singing Aj radost velikou and Bridelius’s Christmas song Děťátko rozkošné nám se narodilo. One could not help but notice how many beautiful, mellifluous—and undoubtedly well-trained—voices could be heard in the audience.
Under the motto Psallite Deo nostro, the dramaturg, flautist and artistic director of Collegium Marianum, Jana Semerádová, presented a potpourri of short Baroque compositions. The vocal quartet’s singing in perfect accord was deeply felt and immaculate, as was the interplay of the nine-member ensemble, led as always by violinist Lenka Torgersen. It was an afternoon/evening of pure joy in sincere music-making, which—almost as always—bore the hallmarks of the very highest excellence.
The ensemble performed the Ouverture in D major—and not only that work—with remarkable stylistic flair.
In general, the entire concert was imbued with refined style, precise communication among the artists, and beautiful ornamentation—restrained yet rich—both instrumental and vocal.
