Claudio Monteverdi’s Madrigals of Love and War transformed a venerable genre—the Renaissance part song—into dramatic scenes that rival the flamboyant art of Caravaggio or Bernini. By updating an old musical form, Monteverdi created a repertoire that is both timeless and singular: few madrigals from any age hold a candle to these masterworks for multiple voices and instruments.

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Madrigals of Love and War

Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

**Fallen Angels: A Baroque Exploration of the Paranormal**

Join Ars Lyrica Houston for an enchanting evening of Baroque music that delves into the mystical and paranormal, titled "Fallen Angels." This captivating concert took place on Friday, September 22, 2023, at 7:30 PM in the exquisite Zilkha Hall at The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.

"Fallen Angels" showcased an otherworldly program that spanned the harrowing "Judgement of Solomon" by Giacomo Carissimi to the spirited masques from Henry Purcell’s "Fairy Queen." The performance featured a stellar lineup of five extraordinary singers accompanied by a colorful Baroque orchestra, complete with period strings and winds, setting the stage for a season devoted to the magical aspects of music.

The concert highlighted the talents of Nola Richardson and Eliza Masewicz, sopranos; Jay Carter, countertenor; Thomas O’Neill, tenor; and Enrico Lagasca, bass-baritone, marking an Ars Lyrica debut for some. The program included a rich selection of works, such as Carissimi's "Judicium Salomonis," Alessandro Scarlatti's "Cello Sonata in C minor," and excerpts from Purcell's "The Fairy Queen," among others. The performance ran for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, including an intermission, with all texts projected in English surtitles for the audience's understanding.

Audience members were treated to a night of sublime artistry, with the celestial voices of the singers and the elegant performance of the orchestra creating an entrancing experience. The concert was not only a showcase of musical excellence but also an exploration of themes like love, mystery, and the supernatural, as reflected in the Baroque era's rich tapestry of sounds and stories.

For those who missed the live performance, digital replay passes are available, offering a chance to experience the magic of "Fallen Angels" from the comfort of home. This concert set the tone for Ars Lyrica Houston's 2023/24 season, promising more mesmerizing performances that explore the awe and wonder of Baroque music.

Thomas O’Neill

Events

Past events

Nov 8, 2024

Madrigals of Love and War · Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

Sep 22, 2023

Fallen Angels · Ars Lyrica Houston

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