BAROQUE IMAGINATION WITH BRIGITTE HEUSER
Mezzo-soprano superstar Brigitte Heuser reflects on her passion for Baroque music ahead of performing with Australian Baroque in Le belle immagini.
What is the central theme of Le belle immagini?
Resilience of the human spirit and Nature. We have chosen music that when put together tells a story of the changing seasons in nature and life. We have taken these pieces out of the contex of the operas and are lookin at each text in isolation to weave together a story.
As an ensemble, what do you enjoy most about collaborating with Australian Baroque?
In a concert like this we work closely to choose repertoire together to build a cohesive concert. We perform right next to each other - Its a very intimate and tangible experience without a large set or the distance of the orchestra in the pit like a mainstage production. Of course the authenticity of historically accurate instruments is a very special element and the wealth of knowledge and experience by Helen Kruger and the other players is just incredible,
You recently performed in West Australian Opera’s Rusalka. How does learning Baroque repertoire differ from learning other opera styles?
Baroque repertoire has a lot more room for personal interpretation. We have chosen many pieces with florid and elaborate coloratura passages which is a specialty of Baroque music. These pieces also have repeated sections where you can add embellishments and compose your own cadenzas allowing each singers interpretation to be completely unique.
What are you most excited for audiences to experience at Le belle immagini?
I'm excited to audiences to experience works that they have never heard before and be moved by the intensity of drama depicted in these works. We are showing a full spectrum of human emotion, rapture, rage and sorrow.
West Australian Opera and Australian Baroque present Le belle immagini at Hackett Hall on Thursday 28 November. Book here.
