The final concert of ERSO\u2019s 2012\/2013 season was a night of religiously inspired music beautiful enough to melt the heart of Richard Dawkins. ERSO\u2019s choice of spiritual, choral driven music had the proper effect of an occasion for a season ending performance. And it was glorious indeed.<\/p>\n
The night started with Mozart\u2019s Vesperae solennes de confessore, a sublime work of sacred music. Following was a very different take on the sacred theme from Frenchman Francis Poulenc. It is said that Poulenc embarked on his series of liturgical pieces after a profound and life altering religious experience. This work, Gloria (1961), is as intriguing a piece of church music as you are likely to hear. Gloria has the artistry and aesthetic of modern composition coupled with the timeless and ethereal quality of its genre. Remarkable indeed.<\/p>\n
After intermission, the concluding piece was Gabriel Faur\u00e9\u2019s Requiem in D minor, opus 48. The work is scored for two soloists, chorus and orchestra and is solemn, as one would expect for a requiem. As she did the whole evening, soprano Kaia Urb stole the proverbial show. An unlikely diva, modest in stage presence and middle aged, Urb was nothing short of amazing in her role as principle soloist in all three works for the evening. Her effort for the aria, Pie Jesu, the most famous part of Faur\u00e9\u2019s work, was the night\u2019s highlight.<\/p>\n
The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir deserves special recognition for setting the mood and course for the evening\u2019s program as the driving force in each of the pieces featured.<\/p>\n
The Estonian National Symphony Orchestra was led by principle conductor and artistic director Neeme J\u00e4rvi. J\u00e4rvi is a charismatic conductor, leading the audience through a rousing celebration at the concert\u2019s conclusion and a pleasing encore. A full five minute standing ovation followed. As artistic director, let\u2019s hope the maestro\u2019s selection of a requiem as the last piece for the year isn\u2019t an indication that he\u2019s pondering retirement and that J\u00e4rvi can at least stick around for a few more fine seasons. A wave of the conductor\u2019s baton as he exited the stage seemed more \u2018see you next year\u201d than farewell.<\/p>\n