‘Médée’ by Charpentier in concert ?????

Performers: Magdalena Kožená, Medea; R. van Mechelen, Jason. Staatsopernchor Berlin, Freiburger Barockorchester. Director: Sir Simon Rattle. Place and date: Gran Teatre del Liceu (XI/27/2023)

A few days ago there was little response from the public to a wonderful concert by Daniele Gatti, now unfortunately little echo for a proposal with these top-of-the-line characteristics, and with an unknown but very important work – like much of the music of Marc-Antoine Charpentier – to a certain extent opposed to the Versailles aesthetic established by Lully.

There was no stage performance, with orchestra and choir and soloists on stage, in good acoustics despite being instruments similar to the originals from the 17th century, the origin of that lyrical tragedy. Interesting experience, leaving aside current stage designers, who often superimpose languages ??foreign to the original symbology of what is musically represented. And also the opportunity to see and hear the work of a great master like Rattle. Days before in the same room the alleged inconsistent baton of Alondra de la Parra in Turandot or whatever, incomprehensible, but highly promoted by marketing.

Pure music with great performers, especially Kožená’s Medea, who does very well musically in this dramatic role, well supported by Van Mechelen’s Jason. This proposal allowed us to enjoy what is essential in the opera, which is its music, well understood by Rattle in precise and expressive orchestral response, and with an exceptional choir: in the fusion and emission of voices, subtle, expressive and effective in his role faithful to Greek tragedy.

Musically it is a work that is comforting in its harmonic treatment, the dramatic discourse is especially manifested in the text (voices) and there is a very marked play of contrasts between the tragic intensity of some moments and the tenuous orchestral accompaniment, without warlike displays. Plot and musical gesture coincide in some descriptive martial sections, but it is not a gesticulating sound speech, but rather leaves room for reflection.

I hope that this novelty has captivated the spectators, although of course, in those times the extension of these shows was mediated by the services, which brought sustenance to the courtier. Singular response from the public in attention, concentration and few coughs.