Singing Budapest
The portal to the steps from the drop off area and the Castle Hill plaza by Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion.
Our rehearsal and concert was at the Matthias Church, A church on this site goes back to the 11th century. This building dates to the 14th ... with many rounds of damage and restoration since. It is at once thrilling and astounding that we are performing here.
Above the rear entry.
The church is named for Matthias Corvinus (1442-1490), King of Hungary and Croatia, King of Bohemia, and King of Naples. He brought Italian Renaissance ideals to Hungary.
Top of the tower.
The chorus made it's way into Matthias Church through a side entrance for the afternoon rehearsal.
Preparing.
Beginning the line up.
Lynne began with some work with the orchestra only. Here is a snippet from the Rex tremendae, with a notably absent choral entrance. (0:28 video -- click to play.)
Our soloists on a section of the Tuba Mirum. In order of performance: bass Till von Orlowsky, tenor Gernot Heinrich, alto Verena Gunz, and soprano Judit Halász. (1:59 video -- click to play.)
Rehearsing, with an audience on the balcony above.
So I made my way up. Nice view down.
The Lacrimosa, as viewed from above. This is really a study in Lynne's conducting. (2:48 video -- click to play.)
On the Hostias we had a guest conductor for a few minutes. While Steve Payne is the Oakland Symphony's Executive Director -- a business rather than artistic position -- he does have a Masters in Music. A fun video, even if the quality leaves something to be desired. (0:50 video -- click to play.)
A view from the back.
A larger view of the church.
As the day wore on, the rehearsal collected a nice impromptu audience.
Another of the side balconies.
The organ above the main entrance.
Rehearsing.
Rehearsing.
We had a break between the rehearsal and the performance for dinner. A view of the Matthias Church spire from down the street as a few dark clouds and a spits of rain drifted by.
A piece of the old castle wall and a statue that have survived.
Below the statue.
