Radulescu's Passion in Porrentruy
This spring, the Tribunes baroques 2013 will present a Swiss premiere: the revival, under his own direction, of "Passion", a work by Michael Radulescu composed in 2003. After Vienna and Graz, two performances will be given in Porrentruy, on March 23 and 24.
In composing his Passion, Michael Radulescu was concerned to link his composition, which sets to music texts over 2,000 years old, with the history of 21st-century citizens. The instrumentation includes 2 double basses, 2 flutes and 1 percussion group for each of the 2 choirs. In the middle of these two poles is a group of 4 violas da gamba, 4 trombones and the bass soloist, Ulf Bästlein, as the "voice of Jesus". The violas da gamba play the only instrumental solo, which takes place at a crucial moment, when Jesus realizes the extent of his solitude in the face of the ordeal that awaits him. This musical scenography is of poignant intensity.
The action of the passion narrative is introduced by a plaintive melody, carried by Pia Hansen's alto voice, on an ancient text translated by Luther. Existential questions resonate: who will help us remain free? Who will help us when we face death?
This introduction shakes up the listener, throwing him or her straight into the heart of the reflection. The end of the same text constitutes the work's epilogue: when the listener has caught his breath, after so much emotion and tension, appeasement finally arrives. With a deep breath from the viola, a sense of peace pervades the music.
In conjunction with the concerts, the Fondation pro Musica has invited Pascale Rouet, author of a book on the subject, to share her analysis of Michael Radulescu's musical language. A lecture for the general public will take place on Sunday March 24 at 3.15pm.
The dates
Porrentruy
Jesuit Church
Saturday, March 23, 8 p.m.; Sunday, March 24, 5 p.m., lecture at 3:15 p.m.
Find out more: www.tribunes-baroques.ch
Photo: Michael Radulescu (right) with Josef Doeller, Graz choir coach.
