Valer Sabadus and the hr-Sinfonieorchester under Andrea Marcon

The “Barock+” concert series by the hr-Sinfonieorchester in the hr-Sendesaal has been combining baroque music with works from other eras for years and attracts renowned artists from the early music scene. The new season opened with a concert featuring countertenor Valer Sabadus under the direction of Andrea Marcon. An early string symphony by Mendelssohn, which impressively demonstrated his orchestral skills, was followed by a baroque section with arias by Handel and Vivaldi as well as virtuoso concerti. Sabadus was convincing with his soft, flexible voice in lyrical passages, while wilder coloraturas were somewhat less ideal. Instrumental soloists such as Ulrich Edelmann and Sebastian Wittiber also shone.
The second part of the concert featured Mendelssohn's “Italian Symphony” in a lively, colorful interpretation, characterized by historically informed playing and fresh tempi. The hr-Sinfonieorchester under Marcon impressed with precise interplay and expressiveness. The evening offered a rich, fulfilling concert experience that left the audience enthusiastic.

“Right from the opening “Mi lusinga il dolce affetto” from Handel's opera Alcina, the manner of using portamenti extensively when reaching high notes and also when sliding down is striking, which can be considered a matter of taste. The big bows in Vivaldi's “Vedrò con mio diletto” from Il Giustino and in Handel's “Scherza infida” from Ariodante are beautiful to kneel down to.”

“The fact that Sabadus is aware of the strengths of his voice can be seen in his choice of encore: in Handel's “Ombra mai fu” from Xerxes, he starts the first note a little too long without vibrato, only to finally let it swing at the end, but then this baroque hit is performed with an ethereal beauty that silences all criticism and wonderfully ties up this rich first part of the concert.”

(17.11.2024, Der Opernfreund, Michael Demel)

 

The concert was recorded and will be broadcast on 26.11.2024 at 13:05 on hr2.