On 20 September 2024, the Hildebrandt Consort gave an impressive concert in the St. Roch Chapel of Mariadal in Hoegaarden, organised by Klassiek in de Kapel. This special evening celebrated both musical mastery and the fifth anniversary of Klassiek in de Kapel, which began with a concert in 2019 in the chapel of the former College of Tienen.
Wouter Dekoninck, the organist and leader of the Hildebrandt Consort, opened the evening with an engaging introduction to the programme. He explained that although the organ concertos of C.P.E. Bach and Joseph Haydn were composed only two years apart, they differ remarkably in style. This can be explained by the musical transition from the late Baroque, of which Johann Sebastian Bach was one of the great masters, to the Classical period, characterised by composers such as Haydn and Mozart. The programme made clear how C.P.E. Bach illustrated the move towards a more expressive and galant style, while Haydn already clearly embodied the structure and clarity of the Classical era.
The concert opened with C.P.E. Bach's Organ Concerto in G (WQ43), which immediately drew the audience into this transitional period. The lively, whimsical rhythms and surprising dynamic turns in Bach's music made a strong impression. This was followed by Mozart's March in C (KV 408) in a fresh transcription by Dekoninck, in which Mozart's elegant simplicity came beautifully to the fore.
A solo moment of exceptional quality, long anticipated by the audience, followed with C.P.E. Bach's Sonata in A minor (WQ 70/4), in which Dekoninck let the historic Rochet organ of the St. Roch Chapel shine to the full. The emotional depth and technical virtuosity of this work created an intense and intimate moment that visibly moved the audience. The programme continued with Mozart's Andantino Cantabile in F (KV 330), also in an arrangement by Dekoninck, which beautifully conveyed the subtle charm and lyricism of Mozart's compositions.
The evening concluded with Haydn's Organ Concerto in C (Hob. XVIII), in which the Hildebrandt Consort and Dekoninck once again excelled. The classical clarity and structure of Haydn's music stood in stark contrast to the more emotional expressiveness of Bach's concerto, beautifully illustrating the evolution of music in that period.
The large audience responded enthusiastically and rewarded the ensemble with a standing ovation. Afterwards, Klassiek in de Kapel celebrated its fifth anniversary together with the audience and the Hildebrandt Consort during a much-appreciated reception, where music lovers had the opportunity to meet the musicians and each other in an informal setting.
The concert was a beautiful blend of historical insight and musical excellence, offering a fascinating glimpse into the transition from Baroque to Classicism. An evening to remember for a long time.
For those who missed the concert, there is good news: the Hildebrandt Consort will perform it again on 16 November, at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., in Villa Servais in Halle.