Learning and Listening with the Handel and Haydn Society
Do you ever have the urge to get really in-depth about a microcosm of the world to a degree beyond just the normal Wikipedia or Google search?
The Handel and Haydn Society pre-performance lecture Saturday afternoon was a great opportunity to do just that. Ian Watson (harpsichord) and David Miller (viola) of the Society joined Toby Rzepka a local luthier to talk in-depth about the world of baroque classical music. Watson, Miller, and Rzepka each spoke about historically accurate instruments that the Handel and Hayden Society use to perform music as the composer intended.
I learned that the violas of the baroque period had fewer hairs on their bow strings—thus creating a lighter sound—and also didn’t have the chin strap common on most violins and violas today which changed the sound quality and technique of playing. I also learned that the harpsichord makes a rattle when played in a low register (unlike the piano)—this was demonstrated on Watson’s harpsichord, which is a replica of J.S. Bach’s! Toby Rzepka went into great detail about the history of violas and the process of recreating a historic instrument. Check out Rzepka Strings—right here in Portland—for more information: http://www.rzepkastrings.com
Once the Handel and Hayden Society took the stage, the instruments spoke for themselves. The program featured Boyce, Avidon, Purcell, Handel, Geminiani, Bach, and Vivaldi (one of my personal favorites) and showed the incredible talent of the Society’s members. Their incredible technique, attention to dynamics, and fine precision was heard through the entire performance.
Hannaford Hall provided the acoustical resonance for the audience to truly enjoy the intimate performance and the delicate balance of the period instruments. Because of the Hall’s size, I felt connected to the musicians. I watched their eye contact with each other and how they worked through each piece with minimal conducting from director and harpsichordist, Ian Watson.
One of my favorite parts of seeing live classical music is to watch this interaction between performers—as well as seeing heads nodding or knees bending to the movement of the music. In a program that had many Allegro movements (which I appreciate because that means it is lively!) it was a true joy to see all the performers genuinely and passionately bringing great classical music to life.
Did you attend Saturday’s performance? Please share with us your experience and thoughts about this tremendous ensemble and their concert this past Saturday.
I brought 5 high school students to the concert an says:
I brought 5 high school students to the concert and they were enthralled. We attend a concert of theirs in Symphony Hall with chorus, and it was wonderful, but the setting in Portland was far superior. It was inspiring seeing the commitment these musicians make to fine music. Thank you.
Cynthia Pedlikin says:
We truly enjoyed the concert on Saturday. It was such a treat to see the musicians in a smaller venue. The music was wonderful and the musicians deserved their ovations. From start to finish this was a great experience.
I hope the Handel and Haydn Society will be asked to return to Portland to the same venue. It would be wonderful if we could invite students who are in the high school orchestras or other youth groups to see a concert. I think that young people would enjoy the music and hear and see these professional musicians in a smaller venue.
I do not know if there is funding for such a concert but we certainly would be willing to donate funds to it.
I would be remiss if I did not mention that we have a family connection to the group. This was the first concert that we were able to attend and were just so impressed by the music and musicians.
Cynthia Pedlikin
beverly nichold says:
I have traveled from Jonesport to Boston to attend the H&H concerts on many occasions—i was so thrilled to be able to go to Portland—the venue was perfect. PLEASE bring them back!