When recorders
ba-rock
"Overwhelming!" That's the reaction of conductor and arranger Ralf Bienioschek to the completely full Stadthalle in Neuss. Just a year ago, the Zeughaus was full. Now around one thousand to experience something that is far more than a classical recorder concert. recorder concert.
For 17 years, Bienioschek and his team have been proving that recorders can do anything. Baroque. Rock. Pop. Join in. Sing along.
His credo is simple: the word baroque contains rock. And that's exactly what this evening sounds like.
The opening is spectacular. "Pirates of the Caribbean", fast-paced, powerful, arranged for recorder orchestra, band, percussion and electric piano. Sophisticated realisation, celebrated by the audience. 45 musicians show what is possible on recorders.
The programme continues with Vivaldi, the "rocker of the Baroque". Summer from the Four Seasons is electrically amplified and grooves in a surprisingly modern way.
Baroque meets stage energy.
Vocal reinforcement is provided for quieter moments. Clara Krum performs together with five singers. Romantic Christmas carols such as "Holy days are coming" or "White Christmas" alternate with baroque classics by Telemann and Bach, interpreted in a fresh and rocking way by the Neuss recorder orchestra.
Things get emotional with the youngest performers. Children sing "In the Christmas bakery" with chef's hats on their heads.
The young musicians show how easily the new sigo tenors can be played by recorder beginners.
Tears flow from the audience at the latest during "Angel" by the Kelly Family. Music works across generations.
The second part of the concert spans even further. Johann Strauss' "Fledermaus", "Hedwig's Theme" from Harry Potter, James Bond's "Live and Let Die".
The highlight is "You're the Voice", supported by bagpipe players from the Rhine Area Drums and Pipes. Powerful. Goosebumps.
For the finale, the little flags on all the seats come into play. During "We Are the World", the entire audience waved their flags. A powerful image. Music as a unifying language.
This concert impressively demonstrates that recorders are not a niche instrument. In the right hands, they become an orchestral instrument that doesn't have to shy away from any musical style.
The audience's roaring applause proves it.
Look forward to the next concert of the BON - Recorder Orchestra Neuss.
Photos: Alex Schneider
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