If ever there was a case for playing Baroque music on period instruments, the Academy of Ancient Music made it Saturday night.
Playing to a packed Town Hall, the small band from London — a mere 16 players — re-created Handel, Locatelli, Telemann, Biber, Vivaldi and Geminiani as if they were born in the 20th century instead of the 17th. Of course, all music should be performed as if composed yesterday, but the further removed in time, the harder that is to accomplish.
Led by the young violin virtuoso, Andrew Manze, the Academy of Ancient Music performed as if its life depended on it. There was vigor, extraordinary dynamic range, complete control of every phrase. Period instruments often do not make big sounds, one reason for modern adaptations.
These did because they were played with such force and generosity of style.
There was not an ounce of sentimentality throughout the night, but plenty of sentiment. Tempos were often brisk but they always made genuine sense. Loud never stood by itself. Soft also caught one's attention; indeed it could be breathtaking, as Manze would bring the orchestra down until one was almost leaning toward the stage to hear the music.
Composed of 14 string players plus lute/guitar and harpsichord, the orchestra was founded by Christopher Hogwood in 1973. The quantity of musicians may be low but the quality is astonishingly high. Its recordings — the first to record all of Mozart's symphonies on period instruments and now in the process of recording all of Haydn's symphonies and Mozart's piano concertos — are highly acclaimed.
The evening's program was well chosen. Handel's G Minor Concerto Grosso was intriguing, helped considerably by its forceful reading; so too Locatelli's Concerto Grosso, "Il pianto d'Arianna" ("Ariadne's Lament").
Telemann's Folk Suite could have been a touch boring, but Manze and his group made it gripping. Biber's Sonata, "The Peasants' Church Procession," was lively and novel, while Manze displayed his bravura in Vivaldi's Violin Concerto in E, "L'amoroso." What brought the audience to its feet were the bright colors and fiery playing in Geminiani's "Follia."
If ever the Early Music Guild wanted to advertise its wares, it chose the right vehicle. The audience was rightly ecstatic.
Manze leaves the group to take over the English Concert, succeeding its founder Trevor Pinnock.
NOTE: The Guild announced its 2003-04 season at Town Hall: La Venexiana, the Italian vocal ensemble, Oct. 11; Rebel, the multnational Baroque instrumental group, Dec. 6; Anonymous 4, a women's vocal quartet specializing in Medieval music, Feb. 7; Netherlands Bach Society, in its Northwest debut, March 12; Hesperion XXI, the Spanish instrumental ensemble, May 8. Season tickets $125, with student/senior discounts; 206-325-7066.
