Carmina continues with “Primo Vere.” It is a song of spring, but somber tone suggests that monks are expecting to be smitten by a vengeful God for even thinking about those young women with fresh tan lines. Fortunately mood soon brightens, with sonorous baritone of guest vocalist Anton Belov carrying melodiously over a string accompaniment: “. . . and bright fields laugh with flowers.” By end of section, music is happy to point of silliness, and final words are “I’d still prefer instead, to have Queen of England lying in my bed.” Still sound like monks’ poetry? I hope queen was much younger then.

“I am abbott of Cuckoominster!” Belov sings whimsically in a section called “In Tavern.” However, most musically stunning part is a lament sung in very high, tight notes by guest tenor Matthew Garrett, accompanied by flutes suggesting waterfowl: “The lake was my home, and I was beautiful — when I was a swan. Oh, misery! How black I am and thoroughly roasted!” Given that this is a tavern song, thoroughly toasted may be more accurate.

The next section, “The Court of Love,” features surprisingly rich voice of guest soprano Suzan Hanson: “There was a girl, who looked like a rose; her face shone, her mouth blossomed. Ah!” There’s a lot of playful back-and-forth between soloists and chorus in this section, and entire work is structured in repeating blocks that give it a wonderful rhythmic quality. An exuberant finale (“abundant Venus!”) deceives listener, leaving him unprepared for sudden reprise of nightmarish “Fortuna” section at end: “Lament with me, all of you, for fortune strikes down strong man!”

What a buzzkill.

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Rob LaGrone, Jetsetters Magazine Editor – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com

Great musical theater songs Baroness has chosen for this charity theatrical event are dramatically intense, touching, witty, ironic, and just plain charming. Baroness Elisa, who has performed on world stages throughout Europe and Australia, noted, “It is an honor and privilege to perform for this noble and important cause”. The intimate three hundred seat Crest Theatre in Delray Beach provides a perfect theater venue where Baroness Elisa’s charisma and audience connection can thrive. The Crest Theatre is located at historic Old School Square, 51 North Swinton Ave., in downtown Delray Beach. Theater reviewers raved about Baroness’ show: “The slender red-headed ingénue melts hearts of audiences. She is in every sense of word a beautiful woman, earthy, gentle, and comfortable with herself, and in touch with her audience. The Baroness is joined her talented musical director, husband, and Baron, Peter Gerolymatos on piano.” Ticket prices are affordably priced at $50 and may be purchased on internet through Ticketweb at www.ticketweb.com or by calling 866-468-7630.

Contact Information: Daniel Rowe Drowe@baronesselisa.com

Crest Theatre Media Contact: Melissa Carter mcarter@oldschool.org 561-243-7922