Hannigan's 'Panic': Zorn's Epic Vocal Journey

Soprano Barbara Hannigan, known for premiering over 100 works, admitted to experiencing significant distress while studying John Zorn's "Jumalattaret." This ambitious piece, inspired by the Finnish national epic "Kalevala," is described as a musical seance, invoking spirits and goddesses through sound. Hannigan's performance was a remarkable feat of vocal transformation, shifting between varied personas with yelps, cries, and moans, anchored by Bertrand Chamayou's sorcerous piano accompaniment.

Zorn's 2012 score intricately weaves elements of folk songs, rock grooves, plainchant, and jazz scat singing, fragmenting them into a unique sonic tapestry. The intimate collaboration between Chamayou's percussive piano and Hannigan's virtuosic vocals created a captivating and primal listening experience. The program also featured Messiaen's "Chants de Terre et de Ciel," a work that shares spiritual intensity with Zorn's composition, showcasing Hannigan's mastery of both primal and tender vocal expressions.

The concert concluded with an extended silence following the Messiaen finale, a testament to the profound connection forged between the performers and the audience. This moment transcended mere applause, reflecting a deeply intimate and almost confessional experience. Hannigan's ability to reinvent her physicality and vocal sound for each piece left the audience spellbound, highlighting the profound impact of the performance.