Renowned Romanian soprano Angela Gheorghiu performed ‘Tatăl Nostru‘, Pater Noster or the Lord’s Prayer, accompanied by Romanian violonist Alexandru Tomescu in front of the Romanian Atheneum, in a deserted Bucharest.
I would like to share her performance with you and take you through a few places of my native Bucharest.
The recording was made on 19 April 2020 by Pro TV, Romania’s most watched private television network.
‘During such times, I wish everyone courage, love and hope!’ (Angela Gheorghiu).
Alexandru Tomescu performed on a Stradivarius Elder-Voicu violin on loan from the Romanian government until 2023 – a privilege won through a contest. The violin is listed as a national patrimony item. It was manufactured in 1702 and purchased in 1956 by the Romanian state to be used by violinist Ion Voicu. In 2007, it was estimated at USD 1.2 million.
Composer: Anton Pann
Producer: Sabina Ulubeanu
Sound: Andrei Kerestely
A PRO TV (2020) production.
I have to admit I am a big fan of Romanian soprano Angela Gheorghiu. I think she is not only gorgeous, but talented too. Nothing comes without hard work and sacrifice though, and she proved it more than once. Since her professional debut in 1990, she has performed in leading roles of several operas at New York’s Metropolitan Opera, London’s Royal Opera House, the Vienna State Opera, Milan’s La Scala, and many other opera houses in Europe and the United States. She has a substantial discography primarily with EMI Classics and Decca and is especially known for her performances in the operas of Puccini.
The Romanian Athenaeum is the-most-gorgeous-concert-hall-ever. Of course is located in Bucharest! The building was designed by the French architect Albert Galleron, for the Romanian Atheneum Cultural Society and built on a property that belonged to the Văcărescu family (one of the oldest noble families of Wallachia, now Romania). It was inaugurated in 1888. The construction showcases the neoclassical style typical for the era with some romantic touches. The Romanian Atheneum is a symbol of Romanian culture and an European Heritage Site as well as one of Seven Wonders of Romania.
Bucharest is my home town so this recording is special to me. I have never seen this city so deserted during day time. If you don’t know, Romania is one of the safest countries to live in.
Follow me through the video.
Romanian Atheneum above, Cismigiu Park below – I have never seen Cismigiu so deserted. Cismigiu is lovely in summer for a stroll in the shade or a leisurely row and fantastic in winter for ice skating all day long and under the spotlight in the night.
It really does look lovely, Patricia, and full of amazing music and art.
I am so glad you enjoyed it, Roberta. Yes, a setting to absorb, not only enjoy.
Thank you for visiting.
Beautiful pictures
Thank you so much, Martie 🙂
That is just amazing. I’ve never heard a Stradivarius–now I have.
Thank you, Jacqui. It really something indeed. There are about 600 Stradivarius violins still left in the world, but only 244 accounted for.
Beautiful music, Patricia. Gheorghiu has a magnificent voice and what a cool place to perform. The emptiness of the city feels eerie but is the perfect backdrop. Thanks for sharing! Be well. <3
I agree with you wholeheartedly, Diana.
I think that adding to the atmosphere is the date of the performance, the Orthodox Easter Sunday.
A beautiful idea, a prayer in itself.
Thank you for visiting 🙂
She’s one of my favorites, too!
She is one of a kind! 🙂