We had an early morning rehearsal today, but the main event of the day for me was the String Quartet concert. This takes a bit of explaining so just follow me for a second.
This festival includes more than simply the major works our choir is performing with the orchestra (Theresienmesse and The Seven Last Words Oratorio Version). It also includes many concerts of chamber music given by participants at the festival.
One of the major portions of the repertoire this year is “Die Sieben Letzen Wortze (The Seven Last Words).” Haydn wrote four versions of this piece of music, in which he uses music to depict Jesus on the cross. The four versions are for: 1. String Quartet, 2. Orchestra only, 3. Piano only, 4. Oratorio version with Chorus and Orchestra. At this year’s Classical Music Festival we are performing all four versions. The oratorio version includes “intonations,” or very brief, four part, hymn-like, introductions to each movement. Rick asked an octet of us to provide these intonations for the String Quartet version in between movements this afternoon.
The concert was at the Bergkirche.
Bergkirche in Eisenstadt
We performed our brief portion in between movements and from the balcony.
Us in the balcony. That open space is where I stood.
Our view from the balcony during rehearsal
After rehearsal I walked back to the hotel with Vlad and James. Of course we had to stop off for an Eiskaffe. Then I had some time to do some shopping and picked up something for my mom and something cool for the boys. Still having difficulty finding something for Jeanne but I’ll keep trying!
Sorry Bobbi, haven’t found anything for you just yet ;-}
Before the String Quartet concert (4 p.m.) I took a tour of the Bergkirche. I know I’ve mentioned it a bunch of times but this was Haydn’s church and also contains his mausoleum. It also has an extremely interesting portion of the building dedicated to artistic depictions of the 24 Stations of the Cross (yes, 24!). The stations are each depicted with sculptures. The path begins deep in the bottom of the church and concludes at the very top. I’m including a few photos here, but you really have to see it in person.
Final station at the top of the church
The view into the main area of Eisenstadt from the top of the Bergkirche
Another beautiful view
The concert was a great success, the first of the performances in Eisenstadt of the four versions of Haydn’s “Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross.” The packed audience gave the performers four curtain calls, and we were recognized from the balcony. After this I was tired but went with Vlad to a nearby Heuriger (with a great view) for supper. I had sausage, surprised?
And then it was a nice leisurely walk back to the hotel where I am now sitting in the hallway with Big G (who went to Vienna today) updating my blog. This guy is pretty fun to hang out with. Right now he’s playing DJ with his computer, playing all the greatest hits of the 70s and 80s with some other tunes mixed in (although I’m not sure I can handle Barry Manilow, Big G).
Time to sign off for the night. Looking forward to being home and seeing everyone!
Wow, what a terrific opportunity to be completely immersed in music. Sounds like it has definitely been well received.
Love the photo of your view from the balcony!