I wasn’t prepared to like musica intima. Why can’t they just put capitals on their name?
I worried that they would be too dissonant, too esoteric, too modern. When I saw the program, my fears increased. There were no familiar titles or composers. It was riddled with words I couldn’t understand. Where was Bach? Beethoven? Mozart?
I enjoy many styles of music, but deep down I’m a traditionalist. I appreciate graceful melody, tonal harmony, structured organization, and dynamic color and texture. Classical music is both calming and energizing and leaves one deeply satisfied.
Well, hello musica intima. The harmonies were not only there; they were rich and beautiful. The melodies were not familiar ones, but refreshingly unique and delightful. As promised, the choir brought us into a circle of sound that was complex in texture and color. The dissonance was there, but it was needed. How well it provided vibrancy in contrast to the calming harmonies!
Did you notice how they communicated with one another? Their eye contact conveyed the tempo, the timing, the dynamics, the mood and probably much more than we could observe. I guess that’s what “conductorless ensemble” means.
Their communication also reached out to us, the audience. The singers gave meaning and background to each one of those unfamiliar words. As they related their stories of intimate connection with the music and the composers, they welcomed us into their personal artistic world and made it a shared experience.
musica intima further opened the door of friendship by introducing themselves personally. I sure could identify with the shy alto who had no love for the microphone. Each soprano wowed us with her mastery of the high notes—one could even whistle them. And that wonderful deep bass—the birthday boy! He seemed so disarmingly sweet, I wanted to sing Happy Birthday to him.
Adding to the specialness of the evening was the full auditorium—thanks MEI. The room is energized when you know you are participating in a memorable evening with so many people. I’m so pleased that the students heard this performance. I hope it gave them confirmation and inspiration for their own choral activities. I’m pretty sure they have a follow-up assignment to hand in. Good luck with that!
This twelve-person ensemble reminded me not to pre-judge or lower my expectations. They had the bona fides—I could have trusted them. With that lesson relearned, I look forward to five more amazing concerts this season, each with a unique contribution that we will be privileged to enjoy. Thank you, musica intima.
Anna Walker - Board Member
The Valley Concert Society
We invite your reactions to the concert. info@valleyconcertsociety.com