Mozart: Mass in C Minor, KV.427
(1783). Haydn: Missa Sancti Nicolai, Hob.22:6 (1772)
Tafelmusk Baroque Orchestra & Chamber Choir,
Ivars Taurins, conductor
Karina Gauvin, soprano; Laura Pudwell, mezzo;
David Arnot, tenor; Brian McMillan, baritone
George Weston Recital
Hall
Tafelmusik today presents the
last performance of Mozart's Great Mass in George Weston Recital Hall (this is
also its seasonal finale).
Once again bring myself to this great music after
three days. A second revelation --- a revelation that is so different from last
one. The idea of Belief, which is steadily behind all those dramas,
sensuality and thrills, is now clearly perceived. At the same time, those
tragic dramas of human struggle and the human longing for the divinity
themselves are also seen in a much clearer way.
Missed
Haydn's Missa in the first half (so missed the radical contrast to Mozart's in
the second half). Tonight it is Mozart that matters.
In this C
minor Mass, it's not the thrills but the familiarity that amazes. This is not
the lazy cosiness but rather tranquil familiarity, as if I'm looking at the
landscape in the bottom of my heart which I’m also fond of. Yet in the final
section, the Agnus Dei that repeats Kyrie's music part, I'm quietly brought to
the height of shock. The world fades before my eyes --- and everything make
senses. I was the first one giving the applause in a thundering breakout. I’m a
little ashamed, feeling being dishonest, because just as I manifested three
days ago, this divine music doesn’t need applause --- it requires solemn
silence.
The town
centre of
The acoustics
of George Weston Hall is surprising inferior than that of