Critic’s Choice

Wed Mar 04, 2020 at 10:21 am

For all the attention given to high-budget shows in huge venues, the last decade has seen a surge of smaller performances in “alternative” spaces, offering audiences the chance at a more intimate—and often more atmospheric—experience. The cheekily named “Death of Classical” channels a playfully macabre sensibility with its two series, The Crypt Sessions and The Angel’s Share, presenting recitals in the crypt of Harlem’s Church of the Intercession and in the catacombs of Green-Wood Cemetery, respectively.

For practical reasons, concerts of this size tend to feature up-and-coming musicians rather than bankable stars, so it’s impressive that The Crypt Sessions has managed to steal Harry Bicket away from his run of Agrippina at the Met for a concert this Friday. The great conductor and harpsichordist joins the Diderot Quartet for a program that includes music by Dario Castello, Johann Philipp Krieger, Francesco Durante, Georg Muffat, and J. S. Bach.

The Crypt Sessions presents Harry Bickett and the Diderot Quartet at the Church of the Intercession in Harlem, 8 p.m., Friday. A reception precedes the concert at 7 p.m. deathofclassical.com/cryptsessions


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