Nik Divall was quick to seize the opportunity to play our Conservatory-owned theorbo in pursuit of early music performance experiences. Unfortunately, our early plucked string instrument teacher, Michael Manderen, had just retired, so there was no official instruction for him, though he was able to get some pointers from Akron-based lutanist (and Apollo’s Fire member) Brian Kay. Nik played in chamber ensemble this semester under the guidance of HP (Historical Performance) faculty members, and performed his pieces on their Divisional recital this week. I was able to attend and was treated to a wide range of pieces, both solo and ensemble. For me, the quartet Nik played in was the highlight of the evening, though there were lovely presentations of some other works, including a trio by Handel, a Telemann cantata, a Haydn sonata in a rousing and memorable performance by Jiongli Wang., and a compelling string trio performance of an arrangement of Bach’s Goldberg Variations (complete program at the end of the post).

But the Monteverdi Madrigals offered were, for me, the most beautiful music on the program. The two sopranos, Risa Beddi and Emily Mandell, sang with gorgeous voices in such sympathy with each other, it was breathtaking. Their phrasing and delivery were the stuff careers are made of. Harpsichordist Zachary Slotkin and Nik, at the theorbo, filled out the harmony in fine style and with terrific sympathy for the singer’s musical shaping. Bravo!!