When musician Vincent Dumestre envisioned the formation of a baroque orchestra in his Parisian home, he recalls he was nibbling at a French chocolate gateau, with a glass of red wine a few inches away. The marriage of the two sparked an idea that would take on a life of its own over the next two decades.
“I wanted to revive old works by forgotten composers – works that are light and engaging, that deal with love’s sorrows while also regaling the simple pleasures of food and wine,” he says.
Back to history
Soon, Le Poème Harmonique, an authentic baroque ensemble, was formed. Revisiting what they call the “highly entertaining performances of the 17th and 18th centuries,” Dumestre conceptualised a show to rival them all: Venezia . It debuts in Chennai this weekend as part of an international initiative, Bonjour India. It is a partnership between the French Embassy, the Institut Français, and Alliance Française.
“The show is meant to highlight the beauty of language, its ability to both threaten our balance and reconcile with it. In today’s climate of constantly evolving musical trends, Venezia celebrates the unique attractiveness of baroque music,” he says. Using instruments that have been played for the last three centuries, the orchestra tours worldwide, infusing authentic baroque compositions with its own creativity.
Working together
Collaborating with director and friend Benjamin Lazar, the show brings together Monteverdi’s madrigals, including the famous Lamento della Ninfa , with light-hearted compositions by well-known Venetian Baroque composer, Francesco Manelli.
The opportunity to bring Venezia to India fills Dumestre with childlike enthusiasm. It’s the thrill of a challenge, he says. Ask whether it intimidates him, and he responds, “Quite the opposite, actually. Isn’t it wonderful to explore the world through a new sound, a new language?”
It’s the vision he takes forth, presenting Venezia in the city before taking it to Jaipur the following weekend. The audience and its reaction, he says, will be unpredictable. “I want the crowd to experience a new flavour within the immensity of feeling. Maybe the music will evoke new pains and pleasures?” he questions.
For Dumestre, the performance is a journey that could prompt forays into uncharted territory. “We might even start looking in places that we would have never explored,” he concludes.
Alliance Francaise of Madras hosts Venezia this Sunday, January 21, at 7.30 pm at Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall. The concert is open to all.
