The “Three Sopranos” – Berenice Barragan, Viviana Baez, Patricia Hernandez accompanied by pianist and occasional fourth soprano, Gabriela Zepeda – were back by popular demand at last Thursday’s Viva la Musica concert at the Auditorio de la Ribera, and there’s no doubt whatsoever this concert was their best yet.
The selection of music and their wonderful voices were absolutely superb. Whether singing in close harmony or in solo roles, the result was magic.
The trio, joined by Zepeda, sang Monteverdi’s “Barca Come Dolce,” followed by some excellent solos. Baez’ beautifully clear, pure voice gave an exquisite rendition of “V’adoro Pupilo” from Julius Caesar, by G.F. Handel, then Hernandez’ contrasting mezzo soprano with “Dopo Notte” from Riodante, by Habdek, was a real delight.
Barragan’s masterful version of the moving “Ombra Mai Fu” from Xerxesm by Handel, was followed by Baez and Hernandez singing Monteverdi’s “Pur Ti Miro,” from the Coronation of Poppea.
When Barragan, Baez and Hernandez sang Handel’s “Lascia Ch’io Pianga” from Rinaldo and “Fac ut Ardeat Cor Meum” from Stabat Mater, Pergolesi, it was absolutely outstanding, provoking profuse and unusually extended applause at the end of the first act.
After the intermission the trio’s “Barcarolle” from Offenbach’s “Tales of Hoffman” proved extremely popular, as did Hernandez’ superb “Cruda Sorte” from Rossini’s L’Italana in Algeri and Barragan’s “Vissi d’Arte” from Puccini’s Tosca.
Baez’ remarkable interpretation of “Tornami a Vaghaggiar” from Alcina by Handel, with its exceptionally high, unerring top notes and clear articulation, was masterful.
The audience greatly enjoyed the trio’s “Dome Epais” from Delibes’ Lakmé and when their program finally came to a close with Bizet’s “Habandera from Carmen, the applause and rousing standing ovation showed no signs of abating until the vociferously demanded encore was forthcoming.
Again, their final offering, the Mexican song “Alma Llanera,” was much enjoyed by all. Given their obvious popularity, it seems likely that these popular and talented musicians will be back performing in Ajijic again very soon.