Calling a concert Handel Remixed could be read as an embarrassingly uncool bid to get classical music down with the kidz.
But tonight’s concert, the first in the Great Performers season at the Barbican, presented exactly what it said in the billing – five contemporary composers’ response to the great master played alongside some of Handel’s own music as part of the 250th anniversary celebrations of George Frideric’s death.
I leave it to the critics to review the new work by Nico Muhly, John Tavener, Michael Nyman, Craig Armstrong and Jocelyn Pook, all of whom were sufficiently honoured by the commission to attend last night’s event.
Tavener’s Handel seemed, to me, distinctively Tavener, likewise Nyman, while I warmed to Craig Armstrong for combining Handel with The Communards (lyrics: don’t leave me this way….)
Did any trump the original? Probably not. Was the whole event a delight, none the less? Yes.
Which is a credit to all involved, notably Chester Music publishers whose idea it was and the Barbican for helping make it happen.
Efforts to give classical music a new lease of life can often be hideously misconceived, a failure to trust in either audiences or the music.
But when done intelligently and with style, remixed is a concept to be saluted. Respect!