Ars Musica in De Doelen
In the late summer of 2015, a surprising concert is planned. For the first time, the Ars Musica Foundation brings its music to concert hall De Doelen in Rotterdam. In these beautiful surroundings, the Orchestra and Concert Choir of Ars Musica, conducted by Patrick van der Linden, will perform a grand and compelling repertoire. Highlights include Ludwig van Beethoven's Seventh Symphony and Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy's Psalm 42: masterpieces in concert!
Beethoven wrote nine symphonies, but the occasion when the seventh was performed is certainly unique. That was in 1814 during a benefit concert for the wounded soldiers, who had fought in the battle of the county of Hanau a few months earlier. It became one of Beethoven's most successful concerts. The Viennese public, depressed by Napoleon's invasions in 1805 and 1809, was pleasantly surprised by the energy, vitality and beauty of the 'dance symphony'. The second movement is also often performed separately and has become one of Beethoven's most popular compositions.
The same goes for Mendelssohn's Psalm 42, but in a completely different way. The Jewish-German composer was inspired by the Psalms throughout his life. He left behind five beautiful orchestral psalms and many a cappella settings. In 1837, while on his honeymoon, Mendelssohn composed Psalm 42. Schumann wrote that 'he (Mendelssohn) had now reached the highest point possible for the church. Indeed the highest point that church music has ever reached.'
Psalm 42 expresses the poet's desire to be close to God and His temple. This composition is broadly drawn out: lyrical, serious, ecstatic and at the same time introverted. Mendelssohn has set the text to music like a small oratorio, with beautiful choral passages, a few arias, preceded by a recitative and closed by a grand final chorus. Handel and Bach continue in the final chorus, but with the romantic expressive tone of Mendelssohn.
The combination of both masterpieces creates a rich sound world, which comes into its own in the special ambiance of De Doelen. Choir and orchestra open with Beethoven's cantata Meeresstille und Glückliche Fahrt. In addition to Psalm 42, two more Psalms will be heard: Psalm 13 by Johannes Brahms and Benjamin Britten's Psalm 150. These works will be performed respectively by the Ars Musica Girls' Choir, conducted by Arjen JA Uitbeijerse, and the Koorschool and Young Girls' Choir, conducted by Marjon van der Linden.
This concert also forms the closing note of the Ars Musica-Lansigt MuziekVierdaagse, which will be organized from 16 to 19 September. Ars Musica works together with its business partner Lansigt Accountants. This is shaped by, among other things, a linked Master&Pupil project and a 'Conductor of your company' workshop for managers.
Ars Musica Choirs
Ars Musica orchestra
Patrick van der Linden conductor
