Israel Sinfonietta celebrates 40th season opening
By MAX STERN
10/16/2012 21:02
The Sinfonietta, under Solomon, integrated their accompaniments with the various vocal combinations for cumulative effectiveness.
TA Soloist Ensemble Photo: Courtesy
Following Hatikvah, Paul Ben-Haim’s Fanfare to Israel, and upbeat praise from
Culture and Sport Minister Limor Livnat, Beersheba Mayor Rubik Danilovich,
manager Ofer Sela, board chairman Meir Englert and maestro Doron Solomon gave
the downbeat to begin Mendelssohn’s 19th century masterpiece,
Elijah.
Solomon led the Israel Sinfonietta, the Wuppertal choir
(Germany), and four Israeli soloists in a congenial performance, with well-paced
tempi, structural awareness and satisfying tonal shading.
Balancing
forces effectively, he sidestepped dramatic, zealous, wrathful and gloomy
characterization of the fiery biblical prophet of Mendelssohn’s imagination for
a more gemutlich atmosphere.
The 50-voice amateur guest choir, Kantorei
Barmen-Gemarke, from Wuppertal, Beersheba’s twin city, obviously knew the
oratorio well, for their sure entrances, articulate German diction and committed
presentation were professional in all respects. The vocal blend was mellow and
clear – throughout complex contrapuntal textures. Of particular interest were
three women choristers who stepped out of their sections to join the soloists,
at front stage, for a lovely a cappella women’s terzetto “Lift up Thine
Eyes.”
Among Israeli soloists, soprano Hilla Baggio impressed with vocal
purity and sensitive phrasing in the aria “Hear Ye Israel.” Equally expressive
was baritone Noah Briger, who portrayed Elijah’s arias “Lord, God of Abraham”
and “It is enough” with noble stature and clarion delivery. Lighter in weight,
lyric tenor Nimrod Greenberg gave a moving rendition of “Then Shall the
Righteous Shine Forth.” Mezzo-soprano Shira Tal proved an effective interpreter,
serious and well prepared throughout in various ariosos and duos.
The
Sinfonietta, under Solomon, integrated their accompaniments with the various
vocal combinations for cumulative effectiveness. The addition of lower brass
players, from the IDF band, complemented and added resonance and depth to the
overall sonority, while violin and viola arpeggio filigree, played almost
constantly in the background, had assurance as well as endurance.
The
performance will be repeated on Wednesday, October 17 at the Tel Aviv Museum.