This time the festival director and singer Cecilia Bartoli presents the rich cultural heritage of the lagoon city. To do this he also uses an ancient technique of musical collage.
Salzburg.
Next year’s Salzburg Whitsun Festival will focus on Venetian music from the Renaissance to the present day. As announced by the artistic director and singer Cecilia Bartoli, the Austrian festival will open on June 6 with the opera production ”Hotel Metamorphosis” with music by Antonio Vivaldi.
“Hotel Metamorphosis” is a so-called pasticcio, for which various existing compositions are assembled in a new way. Before music was distributed via printed sheet music or sound recordings, this was a common practice, Bartoli says: “It was the only way to preserve it, since all music disappeared from the schedules forever after a few performances and could no longer be heard.” .
From Monteverdi to today
For this production, director Barrie Kosky places Vivaldi’s music in the context of Ovid’s ancient myths of metamorphosis. Bartoli will be on stage, Les Musiciens du Prince – Monaco will play in the orchestra pit.
A concert pasticchio is dedicated to Rossini and his operas such as “L’italiana in Algeri”, “Tancredi” and “Semiramide”, premiered in Venice. Verdi’s “La Traviata” will also be heard in concert. A concert connects to the present, in which Monteverdi’s “Vespers of the Virgin” are juxtaposed with a new composition by Bruno Mantovani, for which he sets Rilke’s poem “Venetian Morning” to music. (dpa)
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Cecilia Bartoli, Artistic Director of the Salzburg Whitsun Festival
Editor: Good afternoon, Cecilia. It’s a pleasure to speak with you today about the upcoming Salzburg Whitsun Festival. You have announced an exciting focus on Venetian music spanning from the Renaissance to the present day. What inspired this thematic choice for 2024?
Cecilia Bartoli: Good afternoon! I’m delighted to be here. The allure of Venice has always captivated artists and musicians through the centuries. Its rich cultural heritage is deeply woven into the fabric of music history. By focusing on Venetian music, we celebrate not only the glorious past through the lens of composers like Vivaldi but also its vibrant present and future.
Editor: That sounds fascinating! I understand the festival will kick off with the opera “Hotel Metamorphosis,” which features music by Vivaldi. Could you elaborate on how you plan to present this work?
Cecilia Bartoli: Absolutely! “Hotel Metamorphosis” is a fantastic opera that allows for a fresh perspective on Vivaldi’s work. We will employ an ancient technique of musical collage, weaving together various elements and styles to create a rich tapestry of sound. This method reflects how composers have historically borrowed from one another, and it highlights the interconnectedness of Venetian music throughout its evolution.
Editor: The use of musical collage sounds intriguing. How does this approach enhance the audience’s experience?
Cecilia Bartoli: It creates a dynamic listening experience. By bringing together different pieces and styles, we allow the audience to engage with the music on various emotional levels. They can feel the echoes of the past while also witnessing the innovations and transformations that have occurred. This interactivity and layering resonate deeply, creating a richer connection to the music.
Editor: Venice has such a unique musical identity. How do you see the influence of Venetian music in contemporary works?
Cecilia Bartoli: Venetian music has had a profound impact on many modern composers and continues to inspire contemporary pieces. The themes of love, loss, and transformation that are so prominent in Vivaldi’s works, for example, are universal and timeless. Contemporary musicians draw on these themes while infusing them with new ideas and styles, bridging the gap between eras.
Editor: It’s wonderful to see such a celebration of Venetian culture at the festival. Can we expect any special guests or events apart from the opera performance?
Cecilia Bartoli: Absolutely! We have a lineup of exceptional musicians and artists joining us, alongside workshops and discussions that explore the influence of Venetian music. It’s not just about performance—it’s about creating a communal experience where we can all learn and appreciate the art form together.
Editor: Sounds like a truly immersive experience! Before we wrap up, what do you hope attendees take away from the festival?
Cecilia Bartoli: My hope is that attendees leave with a renewed appreciation for the depth and beauty of Venetian music. I want them to feel inspired by its rich history and its relevance today. Each note, each piece we present, is an invitation to explore the boundless creativity that Venice has offered to the world of music.
Editor: Thank you, Cecilia. Your passion for this project is palpable, and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds at the festival!
Cecilia Bartoli: Thank you for having me. I’m looking forward to sharing this extraordinary journey with everyone!