Spiegel im Spiegel, a joint production between the Amsterdam Sinfonietta and the Netherlands Kamerkoor referencing the minimalist world of Arvo Pärt, was a bold and highly attractive concept.
The Venue
When your evening starts with a return to your childhood and some serious swinging on swings outside the Muziekgebouw overlooking Amsterdam harbour, and facing the famous Booking.com HQ, you know that tonight might just be that little bit special. If you swing high enough, the swings actually play music. Going to concerts in the Netherlands is so much fun!
The Music
Spiegel im Spiegel by Avro Pärt is based on the theory of tintinnabulation where one melody (the violin) moves in stepwise motion while the other part (the piano) plays only triads in a slow and meditative style. The piano should depict a clock and create the illusion of a single moment spread over time – a version of eternity. Spiegel im Spiegel (Mirror in Mirror) was the first work Pärt wrote after an eight year creative crisis. This new style inspired by Gregorian chant and following his conversion to the Orthodox Church is essentially minimalist in style.
The Amsterdam Sinfonietta, under the leadership of Candida Thompson, more than earned their reputation as one of the finest string orchestras on the circuit today.
My Thoughts
The evening concluded with the interpretation we had all been waiting for – Thompson’s performance of Pärt’s Spiegel im Spiegel. This was very special. Understated beauty, immaculate phrasing, and restrained emotion. The stage was in total darkness apart from a single spot over the piano and violin. No one coughed. No one moved. Time really did stand still as Thompson and Keser threaded their way through this seemingly simple score. Pure class! Pärt achieved his dream.
Interval drinks in the foyer of the Muziekgebouw aan’t IJ. In the Netherlands, drinks are usually included in the price of the ticket. What a bonus!
The Programme
Fun Fact!
Plainscapes by Pēteris Vasks has a total of only FIVE words in the lyrics!
Avro Pärt, whose work Spiegel im Spiegel was the inspiration for tonight’s concert, is based on his theory of tintinnabulation. The theory explores the concept of eternity: if you stand still in front of two mirrors which are opposite each other, the images created can seem endless – an eternity.
The View
Interval drinks – taking in the view. A beautiful red sky overlooking the Amsterdam harbour
The Musicians
Reviewed at Muziekgebouw aan’t IJ: Main Hall, Amsterdam on 12 May 2023 ★★★★
Click here to read the full review on Backtrack
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