On stage, two internationally renowned class acts, complementary in the program they present. American countertenor Reginald Mobley boasts one of the most fascinating voice types: high, light, yet powerful. A lush but subtle tone, exquisitely delicate as filigree produced by a flexible and clear voice that's endlessly versatile. He sings everything from Baroque to musicals, jazz, contemporary repertoire and spirituals. He seemingly effortlessly switches between and creates connections between the classical world and African-American traditions and culture. At the piano, British musician Ashok Gupta. Alongside his career as a pianist, he serves as musical director of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and as a conductor.
African American Spiritual
The recital is built entirely around the African American Spiritual – formerly commonly called Negro Spirituals. These fundamentally religious folk songs originated in the 18th and 19th centuries within the African-American community, at a time still firmly under the yoke of slavery. Erasing the roots and traditions of all these enslaved people proved impossible, however. It was in this context that the spiritual emerged as a new, hybrid form of expression. These are songs with different layers and atmospheres. The enslaved people poured their hearts and souls into them. Music with the particular power to keep blocked and deeply buried memories alive. Singing was for them surrender, light, air, comfort, stillness and energy. Spirituals were sometimes used as secret communication tools with hidden codes; alongside these were the work songs sung during hard labor in the fields, where the rhythm helped maintain solidarity and pace.
Countertenor Reginald Mobley is a warm and charismatic presence. With virtuosic vocal technique and impeccable timing, he makes the spirituals sound different. No excess or euphoria, but with dynamic control and richness in nuance. He interprets in his own way the steadfast faith, the sorrow and hope for a better life of the enslaved. A performer who shines in a serene way. Together with Ashok Gupta, he primarily performs works by Harry Thacker Burleigh, an important bridge-builder between the spiritual and Western art music. Also featuring important African-American composer Florence Price, who integrated the spiritual into her art music, and Douglas Balliett, a contemporary American composer who enjoys engaging with diverse musical and cultural-historical influences from religious Baroque to Romantic song cycles and traditional spirituals. Captivated and with full interest, you follow Mobley's vocal acrobatics, which he produces seemingly without effort. This man truly possesses virtuosic vocal technique. At one point he sits hidden behind the piano and sings a capella, with an ethereal timbre, 'Balm in Gilead.' Impressive, like a voice in the wilderness. His voice a balm for the soul. The combination of rhythm, melody and his unique voice brought joy, comfort and connection. Both performers get their due. Beyond his role as accompanist, Ashok Gupta also performed several compelling and contrasting piano solos.
An intimate recital that provided stillness and fresh air. Top-notch!
