BREMF: French Connections – BREMF Players, Baroque Collective Singers, John Hancorn (Director)

Who would have thought a tale of a man killing his own daughter could be told beautifully? The gruesome story of Jephtha’s rash vow is redeemed by his daughter’s purity. A sonata by Giovanni Gabrieli served as an elegant overture and then Carissimi’s grim story unfolded. It started with the foolish vow and a brief account of the brutal victory over the Ammonites. This was all pleasantly played and well sung but nothing unexpected. Then Jephtha’s daughter made her appearance and the whole work was transformed. Sumei Bao-Smith’s clear and focussed soprano voice was brightly jubilant as she welcomed her victorious father home and exquisitely loaded with pathos as she lamented her tragic fate, to be slaughtered in return for his triumph. It was a magical moment in the music most beautifully realised by this young and very talented singer. We are all looking forward to hearing her again, many times.

The other soloists too had their moments in the motets and trios that followed, all of the highest standard with some very sensitive singing. By default, Claire Williams at the organ held everything things together with a gentle hand. The suite from Lully’s Armide put the focus on the wonderful BREMF players, led by the legendary Alison Bury. They never disappoint and so clearly enjoy sharing their music. The Magnificat by Charpentier gave the stage to the Baroque Collective Singers and peripatetic soloists for a cheerful conclusion to a very satisfying concert.

St Martin’s Church,
26 October 2024

Rating:

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Giovanni Gabrieli – Sonata No. 21 con tre violini e basso

Giacomo Carissimi – Historia di Jephte

Marc-Antoine Charpentier – O clementissime

Jean-Baptiste Lully – Anima Christi

Lully – Suite from Armide

Lully – Salve Regina

Charpentier – Magnificat H72

Sumei Bao-Smith, Emilia Bertolini, Emily Brown Gibson (sopranos), Sophie Timms (mezzo-soprano), Bradyn Debysingh (tenor), Andrew Robinson (baritone)

BREMF Players: Alison Bury (leader), Alice Earll, Naomi Burrell (violins), Annette Isserlis, Dorota Kolinek (violas), Gavin Kibble (viola da gamba, bass violin), Jonatan Bougt (theorbo), Claire Williams (organ)