Apollo’s Fire – Glorious Glorias 10/2/09

Jeannette Sorrell is a wizard at concocting themes for the concerts of her (mostly-) baroque orchestra, Apollo’s Fire. This set of programs was titled “Gloria” and featured music by two of the genre’s greatest composers: the Italian Antonio Vivaldi (1676-1741) and the German Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750). We’ve heard much of this music before (if not all of it) but perhaps not in this context, which deftly illustrated the similarities and disparities of the two nearly contemporary composers.

Gloria – taken from the phrase in the Latin Mass – Gloria in excelcis Deo – is an exultant verbal declaration of praise (Bach) and/or possibly triumph (Vivaldi). Along with the splendid orchestra, there were the Apollo’s Musettes (five younger ladies including Madeline Healey, who soloed in the opening chant-like work contrived by Ms. Sorrell); Apollo’s Singers, a splendid choir, and two outstanding soloists who have appeared here many times: soprano Sandra Simon and mezzo-soprano Meg Bragle.

In addition, the two co-concertmasters Julie Andrijeski and Johanna Novom each had a solo turn with Bach, as did Lani Spahr on oboe d’amore. Oboeist Alex Klein was featured in a Vivaldi duet with Ms. Simon. Trumpets and drums were added for the selections from Bach’s Mass in B minor BWV232.

Overall, the performance was totally glorious. Meticulous attention is paid to every phrase, every note, and the result leaves the listener nearly giddy and light-headed. The music ranged from serene to festive, but was always joyous.

Later this month (October 29 through November 5) Nell Snaidas returns for Mediterranean Nights. This is a performance NOT to be missed. For more details visit www.apollosfire.org or call the ticket office at 216.320-0012.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz, who writes: My most recently published book is Ardenwycke Unveiled (e-book and trade paper). Cerridwen has another contemporary romance from me, But Not For Love, currently available only as an e-book, but perhaps will be in print next year. I hope to soon get around to completing some of the 30+ incomplete books in my computer!

By the way, Cerridwen has also accepted two of my short stories in their Scintillating Samples (complimentary reads) area: Song of the Swan and Unexpected Comfort. I love photography as well, as you can see here. Occasionally I teach writing workshops and sometimes do editing or ghostwriting on a free-lance basis. But over and above everything else, there's always been the writing. I can't imagine my life without it.