Interview with Bass-baritone Matthew Brook
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Photo by Jenny Callan. Drogheda Classical Music. Irish Baroque Orchestra.
Matthew Brook is known for his honest and open portrayal of characters whether on the opera or concert stage. He has developed a world-wide reputation for his interpretation of the music of J.S Bach and George Frederic Handel but his musical tastes stretch far beyond this, often performing new commissions, and has appeared as a soloist throughout Europe, Australia, North and South America and the Far East.
We’re excited to welcome Matthew to Cumnock, as he will be performing as part of James MacMillan’s Since it was the day of Preparation alongside Dunedin Consort and Hebrides Ensemble. We caught up with Matthew recently to ask him about the upcoming concert on Sat 26 October..
How are you feeling about performing the piece?
I was thrilled to be invited to sing the role of Jesus in “Since it was the day of preparation…” with the Hebrides Ensemble and Dunedin Consort. I had sung a lot of James’ choral music many years ago, and this was a new piece to me. Rehearsals start next week, so I have been preparing for several weeks now, and I’m really excited to hear all the sonorities of the music coming together.
What drew you to this piece and what are some of the most exciting things about performing it?
The small forces of instruments used have a very varied colour palette, and they have to create such a wide sound world, sometimes in fanfares, sometimes brittle and broken, covering all the human emotions there are.
It is rare to cover the subject matter of the time after the crucifixion of Christ. The sense of loss, confusion, fear, doubt and struggle of Jesus’ followers are all portrayed with great clarity in this piece.
As I sing the role of Jesus, I notice a warmth and generosity of spirit as He meets Mary at the tomb, and John, Peter, Thomas and the others later. Jesus’ music is so full of peaceful assurance, and it has been a pleasure to spend time on it.
What should audiences prepare themselves to hear, see and feel during this performance?
The audience can expect the role of narrator to be spread between the solo vocal quartet members. They sing in English and Latin throughout and the storyline is very easy to follow.
They can also expect to be carried in the narrative by extraordinary writing for the Theorbo, Harp, Clarinet, Cello and Horn. Sometimes they play in solo interludes to set the scene, or reflect on the previous movement, and sometimes they combine forces in a lovely variety of combinations. Their music ranges from extreme passion to utter frailty. It’s truly magical.
Since it was the day of Preparation takes place at 7.30pm on Saturday 26th October, at St John’s Church, Cumnock. Book tickets below
