BY STEPHANIE ESLAKE
Music Director of the British Academy of Ancient Music and pianist Richard Egarr is set to visit Hobart for a performance with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. Richard tells us everything about ‘Baroque and Beyond’ ahead of the gig, in which he’ll bring to life music from the 17th and 18th centuries by Purcell, Haydn, and Rebel.
What is it about ancient music that you love so much, anyway?
There is a necessary spontaneity and liveliness within baroque and classical music that I respond to very much. It must engage both performers and audience, otherwise you are doing it wrong.
What’s your guilty pleasure of baroque music?
I have no guilt when performing any music. Too much is never enough. I enjoy every type of ‘good’ music (not only ‘early’) and try to give the most appropriate and full-blooded performances.
With the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, you’re set to give us a taste of English and French baroque music. What are some of the differences in the music between these countries?
It all about language. Just as the English and French have different tongues and accent, so too does French and English music. So ornamentation to each country is very specific, as are certain rhythmic inflections. These French and English differences are still very much present in music. Boulez sounds very different from Maxwell Davies.
We have no idea exactly how this music ‘originally’ was played and sounded. All we can do is read, listen, and learn, and then put that knowledge into a totally committed performance.
Haydn is the star of the show in this concert. What do you think it is about his music that remains so delightful all the way through history and right up to this day?
Haydn is thoroughly healthy. Ask any player, singer or conductor. His music is (like his personality) totally honest and completely likeable, even when he is at his most experimental.
Any famous last words for us?
Come and be surprised and perhaps even a little shocked at the boldness of this great music.
Richard Egarr will feature in ‘Baroque and Beyond’ with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, 7.30pm June 5 at the Federation Concert Hall. Bookings www.tso.com.au.
This article is also featured in Warp Magazine. Image supplied. Credit Marco Borggreve.
