Piffaro showcases vibrant Christmas music featuring hurdy-gurdy, theorbo, bagpipes, and additional instruments in their latest performance.

Piffaro and Tenet Vocal Artists Present “Ein Kind Geborn”: A Journey into 17th-Century German Music Amid Holiday Spirit

NEW YORK — Holiday-themed concerts have become a cherished tradition for early music ensembles, with groups like Piffaro, Philadelphia’s renowned Renaissance wind band, frequently finding themselves at the forefront. Their recent performance titled “Ein Kind Geborn” (A Child is Born) showcased 17th-century German music, and was the inaugural event in a series of holiday concerts that will also grace stages in Philadelphia and Wilmington.

The concert, held at the Church of St. Vincent Ferrer, marked a fruitful collaboration with Tenet Vocal Artists, whose intricate sound and profound musical understanding consistently make their performances noteworthy. The combination of Piffaro’s recorders, theorbo, and gentle bagpipes created a unique auditory experience, enveloping the audience in a feast of sound that was both historical and celebratory.

As concertgoers reflect on the type of holiday music they desire, Piffaro’s offering pointed towards a predominantly devotional approach, distinct from the commercialized cheer typically associated with the season. This performance rejected the bombast of modern holiday celebrations, inviting listeners to adjust their expectations to an era when the most resounding sounds came from church bells rather than brass instruments. The audience, consisting of engaged and knowledgeable individuals, openly discussed their preferences, eagerly expressing a desire for more dulcians—an obsolescent woodwind instrument.

The concert featured compositions from notable figures such as Michael Praetorius, celebrated for his enduring piece “In dulci jubilo,” alongside contributions from lesser-known contemporaries like Johann Walter and Melchior Schärer. Curated by Piffaro’s artistic director, Priscilla Herreid, the 75-minute, intermissionless program included 18 vocal and instrumental pieces performed in both German and Latin. Selections were organized under thematic subheadings, such as “From Silence to Singing” and “Sweet Jubilation,” which contributed to the concert’s reflective atmosphere.

The repertoire included popular hymns, such as the beloved “Von Himmel hoch,” which invited audience participation. Works were presented in both vocal arrangements and sacred concertos, highlighting Praetorius’s encouragement of diverse adaptations. This resulted in a rich tapestry of musical expression, where each selection offered something uniquely distinct in its delivery.

Noteworthy among the performing ensemble was the five-member Tenet Vocal Artists, whose unaccompanied harmonies demonstrated their ability to maintain flawless pitch. Meanwhile, the nine-member Piffaro players navigated a multitude of instruments, producing a varied and intricate soundscape. The performances dazzled with multi-stanza pieces, layering voices in intricate choral interactions against the backdrop of Renaissance musical textures.

Highlights of the concert included the collaboration between sopranos Jolle Greenleaf and Clara Rottsolk, whose contrasting vocal qualities created a compelling auditory experience. Their performances, whether in antiphonal arrangements or harmonious blends, exemplified the ensemble’s ability to produce a dynamic range of sound.

While the performance at the Church of St. Vincent Ferrer was commendable, it is anticipated that the upcoming concerts in the Philadelphia area may enhance the synthesis of ensemble elements. Despite moments where a specific ensemble member took the lead to guide the music within the conductorless framework, the concert effectively showcased Piffaro’s evolution under Herreid’s leadership. The Renaissance repertoire, characterized by its variability, allows for the exploration of both ethereal and gritty soundscapes, enriched further by Piffaro’s incorporation of traditional instruments like the hurdy-gurdy and bagpipes.

“Ein Kind Geborn” continues its performances on December 5 at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Rittenhouse Square, December 6 at St. Martin-in-the-Fields in Chestnut Hill, and December 7 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, featuring ticket prices ranging from to . For those unable to attend in person, the program will be available for streaming online from January 15 to 18.

For further details, visit the websites of Piffaro and Tenet Vocal Artists.

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