Serena Sáenz's showcase of elegance

With every reason and ample means, Barcelona-born soprano Serena Sáenz is one of our most international singers, with a well-developed future within a well-established and grounded present. She has demonstrated this here and abroad, with a versatility and stylistic flexibility that are the fruit of her talent, her rigorous work, and her innate musical intelligence.

Monday's concert at the Palau de la Música, alongside Vísperas by Arnadí and conducted by the always effective Dani Espasa at the harpsichord, ended up being a showcase of the singer's skill and, above all, her elegance. This was especially true in the second section of the first half (with arias by Rameau) and a second half dedicated to Handel.

The two Vivaldi arias with which Sáenz came on stage revealed some discomfort, which resulted in poor projection and well-resolved agility, but which the singer should technically revise to avoid damaging them in the future if she wants to continue performing Baroque pieces. These pieces, it must be acknowledged, are extremely difficult and, in this case, come from operas. Bajazet and The nymph and which Sáenz interpreted with some liberties adjusted to his possibilities (which are not few).

But quality and unwavering elegance made an appearance with Rossignols in love and with the vibrant Most brilliant concert formations, both by Rameau, with the complicity of the instrumental ensemble that had previously delighted us with a vibrant suite of dance of The Gallant Indas from the composer himself.

Sáenz's talent is evident in his good taste, phrasing, harmonious singing, breath control, and undeniable stage charisma. And of course, he also brings his own edge with stratospheric high notes improvised over what he sings, which worked much better in Rameau and, in the second half, with the two arias of Giulio Cesare, by Handel, and with the encore ofAlcina from the composer himself.

As we said, the complicity with Arnadí's Vísperas was evident, as was the enthusiastic work of Dani Espasa, who knew how to inspire the musicians with the grand sweep of late Baroque music, with style, imagination, and also with elegance and warm applause.