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Reviewer: John
Dutterer Truly the theorbo is an instrument that lives in the shadows, so I was immediately pleased to encounter “Calling the Muse: Old & New Pieces for Theorbo”. Expecting novelty, I was pleasantly surprised at something rare: an artist’s cohesive vision for an entire album. Half the selections are what might be expected for theorbo: quiet, warm, meditative Renaissance and Baroque music. It can court dullness, not that I’m complaining. Two pieces by Piccinini start the album and set the crepuscular mood. Kapsberger is represented by his Toccatas 9 and 11, ‘Bergamasca’, and ‘Dans le chambre de mon theorbe’; the first three are traditional and exceptional, but the third is an interesting oddity. Author Jean-Luc Debattice recites his own poem in French over the original piece, the voice slightly distorted as if it is from an old LP or radio show. By the third time I heard it, I was convinced. Erik Satie’s first ‘Gnossienne’ is here in an adaptation, and while it does not replace the piano original, it is a piece I can’t help liking.
Possibly the biggest surprise is that Helstroffer’s own compositions steal the show. His ‘Thanks Toumani’ is an homage to African kora player Toumani Diabate; and the French theorboist makes his instrument sound like a kora, while still creating a memorable piece of music. In the concluding ‘Vos Luths’, the instrument is somehow used to approximate a sitar, and ‘A Tea with Bach’ is a sustained tribute that blends old and new styles. The absolute highlight is ‘Comme un beffroi’, with Rosemary Standley on vocals. By no means a classical singer, the French chanteuse is outstanding at selling a song, and her relaxed yet world-weary style not only draws the listener in, but elevates the entire album. Also, I could not tell you the last time I encountered the rather evocative wind instrument known as the serpent in a prominent role, but here it is.
Lyrics are included, along with some perplexing Pop art variations on a painting by Ingres, which I’d swear I’ve seen in another Alpha disc as well. If complain I must, I can only say that I wish this album were longer. Despite his classical music credentials, though, I can imagine Helstroffer leaving it behind to become an NPR crossover artist. Let’s hope not, because the genre needs forward-
thinking performers like him.
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