Camerata Nova: Live from Leipzig

Review by Monica Hultin, Winnipeg Early Music Society Newsletter, Summer 2007

This well balanced, varied and enjoyable program featured Renaissance and Baroque music from Germany. It started with music in the Flemish style by Orlando Lassus, then moved onto the antiphonal Das ist je gewisslichwahr by Schutz in which the strong but well balanced women’s voices were notable. This was juxtaposed with the floating style of Hieronymous Praetorius’ O vos Omnes. Then it was on to audience participation in Bach’s arrangement of the hymn Nun danket all Gott followed by a more elaborate Michael Praetorius arrangement for choir accompanied by string trio and harpsichord.

The first half finished with Buxtehude’s Ad Pedes, with its dramatic entry, which perhaps they could have pushed a little more. The rest of this interesting piece alternated between well-done solos by Sara Clefsted and Bryan Lopuck and parts with the whole choir.

More pieces by Scheidt, Schein, Schütz and J. S. Bach were presented in the second half. There were some intonation problems with Schein’s challenging 10 part Her’ sei Gott in der Höh’ allein a 10, but otherwise, very little to quibble about in the second half. Audience participation was again called for and we listened to many joyful and dance-like pieces.

Part of the interest in this concert was the chance to hear all the different soloists. Of the veteran members, tenor Michael Thompson intoned, and bass Bryan Lopuck and soprano Karine Beaudette were featured. But we also heard some of the newer members, with intonation by tenor James Johnston, and solos by soprano Sara Clefstad. I was impressed by new member Meagan Reimer’s very full yet very clear mezzo voice. It was a treat to hear the many varied talents that make up this group. The woman’s section has become particularly stronger with its additional members. Conducting was shared between Ross Brownlee and Artistic Director Andrew Balfour allowing them both a chance to sing as well. Excellent accompaniment was provided by returning guest artists, Claudine St. Arnaud on violin, Rachel Moody on violin, Carolyn Nagelberg on Cello and Renée de Moissac on Harpsichord. And the acoustics of St. Mary’s cathedral showcased all these talents very effectively.

The final result of these talents, from singers, player, directors and site was the presentation of this music in a truly joyful and uplifting concert.