Paul Dyer explained at the start of the performance that these Neapolitan composers have not previously been heard in Australia. We were informed that Naples in the Baroque era was a major centre for the arts and music.

Ragazzi, like Minasi, was a violinist and a prolific composer. Jomelli wrote more than 60 oratorios and operas. De Majo produced a large number of sacred works and over 20 operas. Yet they are relatively unknown today especially compared to their contemporaries such as Bach ,Vivaldi and Teleman.

Under guest conductor and violinist internationally renowned Riccardo Minasi, the soloists were talented and powerful. The ensemble work was tremendous, balanced and refined with a somewhat delicate yet stately tone. The Orchestra was completely absorbed in the music, and there were huge grins at times from the Orchestra players.

Minasi demonstrated he was a very energetic, enthusiastic and precise conductor as well as being a superb baroque violinist.

The concert’s first work was De Majo’s Sinfonia in D Major with its fast, strident strings and scurries.

Ragazzi’s Violin Concerto in G minor that followed, with its refined, slow and stately start, featured shimmering, exquisite violin playing by Minasi.

There was dazzling playing of the Sarro Sinfonia from Demofoonte, with its insistent , looming horns, and then a quartet- Durante ‘s Concerto No 2 in D Minor– with its haunting melody, lush, lyrical phrasing and a contrast with a leaping movement and then back to a slower and more lyrical mood, affecting the Baroque expressions of languor and pain, but also featuring a strong, determined finish.

Ragazzi’s Sonata Op1 No 4 took us to interval and featured dynamic strings, exquisite playing with the cello underpinning the lamenting strings.

There was an emphatic return after interval with Manna’s Sinfonia in E flat Major which featured scurrying horns and woodwind  and a dialogue between the woodwind and strings. The audience loved it.

Leonardo Leo’s Concerto for four Violins in D Major began dynamically and then the melody was taken up and passed around the various sections of the orchestra. The piece also included some marvelous ‘singing’ violin playing and a swirling, swaying circular melody that was stated and developed.

Nicola Fiorenza‘s Sinfonia featured some fragile, delicate, almost heartbreaking playing. There was also a ravishing lament and glorious shimmering playing by Minasi. The last section was a little lighter and brisker.

This work also features the ‘Neapolitan sixth’ chord, Jomelli’s Sinfonia from La Betulia Liberata , which started briskly. The melody was stated by the soloists, then continued by the strings. Minasi had a lush solo and the other strings had some pizzicato work. Strident, insistent horns led the piece to a  to a short, sharp finale.

There was a brief encore,  as a fitting end to a lively, intriguing and informative performance of magnificent music.

Running time- two hours ten minutes (approx.) including interval.

The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra’s SERIES 5: RICHARD MINASI played the City Recital Hall, Angel Place between the 28th and 31st October. The Orchestra is next presenting this concert at the Melbourne Recital Hall this coming Saturday and Sunday evening.

Pieces performed-
Francesco de Majo Sinfonia in D major
Angelo Ragazzi Violin Concerto in g minor
Domenico Sarro Sinfonia from Demofoonte
Francesco Durante Concerto No. 2 in G minor
Angelo Ragazzi Sonata Op.1 No. 4 in f minor
Gennaro Manna Sinfonia in E flat major
Leonardo Leo Concerto for 4 violins in D major
Nicola Fiorenza Sinfonia for 3 Violins in G major
Niccolò Jommelli Sinfonia from La Betulia liberata

Artists:

Guest Director: Riccardo Minasi

Baroque Violin 1: Shaun Lee-Chen, Matt Bruce, Catherine Shugg, Bianca Porcheddu, Skye McIntosh

Baroque Violin 2: Ben Dollman, Sarah Dunn, Matt Greco, Simone Slattery, Rafael Font

Baroque Viola: Monique O’Dea, Marianne Yeomans, Simòn Gangotena
Baroque Cello: Jamie Hey, Anthea Cottee, Rosemary Quinn
Baroque Double Bass: Jacqueline Dossor
Baroque Oboe: Kirsten Barry, Owen Watkins
Baroque Bassoon: Peter Moore
Baroque Horn: Darryl Poulsen, Dorée Dixon
Harpsichord/Organ: Paul Dyer