Unified Voices for a Boundless Earth
Sensing Earth. Universal message, memorable evening.
The sorrow conveyed by the Cello Octet Amsterdam on Saturday evening was deeply moving, captivating those gathered at the Nieuwe Kerk with Sensing Earth, a landmark concert that resonates not only through the strings of the eight solo instruments but also deeply touches the individual’s sensitivity in the face of our planet’s pressing challenges. Their message transcends boundaries. It is a powerful call to all humanity to confront the urgent threats facing our world. Spectators were held spellbound at the Nieuwe Kerk by the soloists’ performance of Sensing Earth, a concert that not only resounded through the instruments but also stirred the conscience of each listener. The title invites the audience to connect deeply with the natural world and to become aware of the fragile balance that sustains it. The concert’s repertoire highlights both the planet’s beauty and the urgent need to protect it.
The Octet’s rendering of Mirage: The Dancing Sun conjured the blazing vision imagined by the late Russian composer Sofia Gubaidulina. One could almost glimpse that incandescent sun spinning furiously on its axis, scattering fiery shafts of light in all directions, a musical hallucination both fierce and mesmerizing. Acoustic reverberation in the Nieuwe Kerk wraps the Octet’s sound in a mystical veil, giving the performance an ancient flavour. Harmonics rise, swell, and then disperse gently, drifting over the audience like sky lanterns.
The Cello Octet demonstrates an extraordinary mastery of intonation, a critical aspect for any string ensemble but especially for a formation of eight cellos. Their tuning is impeccable, with each note ringing clear and pure, allowing harmonies to blossom naturally without dissonance or wavering.
This precision lays the foundation for the entire performance, elevating even the most complex passages into moments of sublime beauty, much like the evocative works of Theo Loevendie and Kaija Saariaho, which blend intricate textures with profound emotional depth.
Achieving a balanced interplay between eight voices is no small feat. In such a dense and sonorous configuration, clarity can easily be lost. Yet the ensemble patiently and skillfully navigates this challenge. While the perfect vocal equilibrium emerges only gradually, truly settling after a few pieces, their progressive attainment of this blend adds an organic and compelling arc to the concert experience. Each cello’s voice finds its rightful place within the collective sound, contributing without overpowering, weaving a rich sonic tapestry that captivates the listener.
Perhaps most striking is their exceptional ability to perform as a unified body, displaying a level of cohesion that transcends technical skill. The musicians listen intently to one another, breathing together and shaping phrases with a shared intent. This profound ensemble awareness transforms their performance into a living organism, where the sum is far greater than its parts. Their strength lies in their cohesion, allowing the music to flow naturally and giving every passage emotional power and clear drive.
Then, ending the evening with that sublime performance of Cristóbal Halffter’s Fandango was simply breathtaking. Antonio D’Amato 5th July 2025
