The Portland Bach Experience returned for in-person concerts on Saturday with “A Suite Ride Through Portland,” a series of outdoor performances of Johann Sebastian Bach’s cello suites.
John Ott performed Suites No. 3 and No. 4 at the Payson Park farmers market, following a 9 a.m. rendition of the first two on the Western Promenade. At Payson Park, children held their parents’ hands and older listeners swayed along with the arpeggios, while volunteers handed out “Bachsicles” to the crowd.
“They’re freeze pops,” organizer Emily Southard said. “We like puns.”
Southard, who serves as managing director at Portland Bach Experience, said Saturday’s concerts were the group’s first live performances since the pandemic forced the cancelation of its summer 2020 events.
“This is the first time we’re out here performing in person, and it feels great,” she said.
Karen Norton of Westbrook nodded along to the suites in a straw hat, a bag of fresh produce at her side. A veteran concertgoer, Norton said she was pleased to return to live performances after the pandemic. She also noted how, in bringing classical music outdoors, the program was introducing it to a wider audience.
“It’s a really different experience to be here, outside of a concert hall,” she said. “It’s sort of less intimate, but more inclusive.”
Ott, who trained in baroque performance, gave a sprightly, precise rendition of the middle suites with very little vibrato, in keeping with the period. He and his partner, Sylvia Schwartz, a violinist, form the duo Guts Baroque, which showcases their passion for “early music on period instruments,” according to their website. (“Guts” is a reference to animal-gut strings used at the time.)
“I haven’t played anywhere outside of my living room for the last few years,” Ott said after finishing to warm applause.
June 13, 2021 at 06:01AM
https://ift.tt/3znn020
Bach festival returns with outdoor concerts in Portland - Press Herald
https://ift.tt/3d5QSDO
No comments:
Post a Comment