The Saxon maestro Thomas Hengelbrock (Wilhelmshaven, 1958) is coming to Barcelona these days to offer one of his deep and committed musical readings with his celebrated Balthasar Neumann ensembles. Theirs is a very radical way of making music and brings together excellent performers who long to reach all people with that art. The Hamburg-based group lit up the Palau de la Música yesterday together with the Orfeó Català with the apotheosis of A German Requiem by Brahms. And today he will do the same with Mendelssohn's Lobgesang. Lessons in German romanticism from a historically informed performance veteran who co-founded the Freiburger Barockorchester in 1985 (in which he was violinist and leader) before creating his own choir in 1991 and adding the ensemble to it in 1995.
What made you feel in the nineties that you had the ability to create a choir?
I always knew I could generate something new. I am a creative person and this has always been the case. Before the Balthasar Neumann Choir and Orchestra, he had already co-founded other orchestras, the Wilhelmshaven String Orchestra, the German Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra, to name a few. Then, in the 90s, there was dazzling musical fervor and quality in Germany. I was fortunate to be able to gather excellent singers and found the Balthasar Neumann Choir and I created the orchestra shortly after.
Inspired by the great master builder Balthasar Neumann and naming both ensembles in honor of his work, it was clear to me that I would keep these two ensembles for life and that I had found my spiritual and musical home. The Balthasar Neumann Choir and Orchestra is capable of bringing together excellent musicians who want to make music in a very radical way and who consider it essential to be able to reach all people with their music. Balthasar Neumann Choir and Orchestra, as well as the Academy, are not just ensembles or ensembles in various formats, The Balthasar Neumann Choir and Orchestra is a musical project, but also a social, international and political one that uses music as an instrument of cohesion.
How would you say this German popular (and Protestant) choral tradition has changed the history of music?
The German choral tradition, particularly within Protestant contexts, has had a profound impact on the history of music. Composers like Johann Sebastian Bach, for example, and his compositions for choirs and congregational singing revolutionized sacred music. This tradition emphasized intricate harmonies, polyphony, and rich interaction between vocal parts. The German Protestant choral tradition is highly significant in the formation of Western classical music, influencing composers throughout the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and even modern music eras. This tradition's emphasis on congregational singing and participation in religious services also contributed to the development of community and shared musical experiences. It fostered a sense of collective identity and cultural heritage among communities.
And how does it fit with the choral tradition of the south, of Catalonia?
The choral tradition of Catalonia has its own unique characteristics and historical significance. Catalonia has a rich musical heritage, with choral music playing a vital role in cultural expression and identity. Despite their differences, these two traditions can meet through the universal language of music. Through cross-cultural exchanges like these [the Orfeó Català now travels to Hamburg for repeat concerts], the rich tapestry of choral music continues to evolve and enrich the global musical landscape.
Balthasar Neumann's project of staying a few days in a city and bringing music to social and humanitarian causes... is it difficult for an orchestra conductor who at this point has a tremendous agenda?
It is not difficult because social and humanitarian causes are what have always inspired me. If we do not bring music and culture to the people, many people will be excluded from this fundamental part of life. Culture is not, as some think, a dispensable luxury item. Culture is the basis and breeding ground for a humane, enlightened and efficient civil society. That is why we all have the responsibility to transmit our knowledge of art and culture to future generations and to as many people as possible.
Balthasar Neumann was born from the need to advocate for the understanding of music and culture in society: We have to promote what we consider to be still necessary for society! I have a very committed schedule, but I have fantastic musicians in my Ensembles who take responsibility and act accordingly to our philosophy in coordination with the management of the Balthasar Neumann in Hamburg, jointly creating new activities, which allows me to combine the Balthasar Neumann with the rest of my commitments.
