From his exquisitely-tooled
madrigals bedecked with sonic jewels, to his pastoral operas which seem to have beckoned in
modernity itself, Italian composer Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) looms large over music history
and our multifaceted musical present—and his influence is felt throughout At the Beginning,
Monteverdi, French cellist Sonia Wieder-Atherton’s brilliant performance project.
With origins in genuine musical seduction, At the Beginning, Monteverdi is the consummation
of Wieder-Atherton’s first, ecstatic encounter with Monteverdi’s music—particularly the vivid
word-painting, modern harmonies, and paired-down drama found in his duets.
In a specially-designed, lounge-style production in FIAF’s intimate
Le Skyroom, At the
Beginning, Monteverdi presents a series of streamlined arrangements
of the composer’s
music performed by Ms. Wieder-Atherton, with fellow
cellists Sarah Iancu and Laura Metcalf, and juxtaposed
with contemporary works by Berio, Dusapin, Dutilleux,
and Kurtág. The trio
creates an evening of unlikely musical constellations,
at once redeeming the old and illuminating the new.
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BNP Paribas is proud to support
Sonia Wieder-Atherton’s participation in Crossing the Line |
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CulturesFrance is proud to present the opening night performance of At
the Beginning, Monteverdi |
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Photo: Sonia Wieder-Atherton
© Mondino |