Quite unnoticed, the “Musica Sacra” concert series in the Old Cathedral started the new season on Friday. But with a musical highlight. Because the Swiss “Ensemble Cantissimo” under its founder and director Markus Utz has earned an excellent reputation worldwide. The ensemble also showed its great artistry in the absolutely unshakable implementation of the most delicate works of all styles at its concert in Linz.
The program included the last works of two completely different composers who separate historical worlds and approaches to music – Heinrich Schütz and Paul Hindemith. The two operae ultimae have in common that they are sacred works. Heinrich Schütz’s “Schwanengesang” deals with Psalm 119 and supplements the eleven double-choir motets generated from it with a setting of Psalm 100 and the German Magnificat. To what extent this music was planned for his own funeral is speculative. What is certain is that these are impressively eloquent inspirations from an 86-year-old.
It is more surprising that in 1963 Paul Hindemith, commissioned by Hans Gillesberger and his Vienna Chamber Choir, also turned to sacred music and wrote an a cappella mass, which was premiered in Vienna shortly before his death. Here, too, a convincing testimony of deep faith, which may be the expression of “a spirit that is elevated above all that is fleeting”. Markus Utz made a fine selection from both works, skilfully combined them despite their different musical language and played his “Ensemble Cantissimo” with captivating intonation, balanced sonority and intellectual depth. Skillfully assisted were Bernhard Prammer (organ), Leonardo Bortolotto (violone) and Rui Stähelin (theorbo) as well as Eva Sixt, who urgently recited texts by Robert Schneider linked to the works and their thoughts.
- “Musica Sacra”: The next concert in the series is the solo evening “hidden treasures” by Benedict Mitterbauer, the principal violist of the Bruckner Orchestra. 2 November, 7.30 p.m., Ursulinenkirche Linz
Source: Nachrichten
