EIF: Jupiter Ensemble & Iestyn Davies
Queen's Hall - 07/08/23
As a veteran of the Early Music revival in the 1990’s with the English Concert and Les Musiciens du Louvre, I was disappointed to see such a dearth of early music in this year’s EIF Programme, but this morning’s concert at the Queen’s Hall was an absolute cracker. Despite the announcement telling us that the star countertenor Iestyn Davies was ill, this did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the Jupiter Ensemble or the packed audience.
This young ensemble, founded in 2018 by the French/American lutenist, Thomas Dunford, played as if their lives depended on it, but at the same time clearly were having an utter ball. An all-Handel programme of oratorio arias and instrumental pieces covered the entire range of the composer’s inspiration, from glorious slow melodies to firecracker allegros, simply fizzing with life.
Mr Davies’ indisposition was largely hidden by professional excellence, only a few lower notes lacking weight, but the full beauty of this wonderful voice was evident from the start. Singing from memory, he took us on a journey through Handel’s mastery of vocal writing, revealing dazzling coloratura and warm legato which charmed the ear. It was clear from the audience reaction that Mr Davies has a keen following, and it was heartening to hear younger voices cheering him on. I particularly enjoyed his arias from ‘The Triumph of Time and Truth’, ‘Belsahazzar’ and ‘Saul’, and his interaction with the Ensemble, with whom he has recorded a Handel album, was a joy to behold.
It was clear too that the seven piece ensemble really enjoyed playing together. You could see them listening to each other, laughing and smiling, totally confident in their technical abilities, and able to produce marvellous music of the highest quality. All the players were brilliant, but I must mention the two violinists, Louise Ayrton from England and Augusta McKay from the USA, who were sensational, and the Swiss cellist, Felix Knecht. Hell, I’m going to spotlight them all – Jasper Snow (viola), Ismael Campanero (double bass), Tom Foster (harpsichord and chamber organ) and the director and lute player, Thomas Dunford, whose witty and well-chosen announcements further enhanced our enjoyment of the concert.
The instrumental pieces were well-chosen, and also gave Mr Davies a welcome break, and although all the music was by Handel, there was great variety in the programme. In the year when the greatest of countertenors, my old friend James Bowman, died, it is fantastic to know that the new generation is at the top of its game, and that Iestyn Davies is carrying on the tradition established by the likes of James Bowman, Michael Chance and David James. His charming personality came over in his singing, and also in his self-deprecating chat towards the end, giving us an insight into his state of mind and voice at 6am today!
I sincerely hope there will be much more early music next year!
Cover photo: Ben Ealovega
