Review
The Countertenor – Bach’s Holy Spirit (Bach Akademie Australia, Cathedral of St Stephen, Brisbane)
Spine-tingling singing from Reginald Mobley in the cathedral acoustic of St Stephen's.
Cathedral of St Stephen, Brisbane
Reviewed on 9 April, 2025
by Gillian Wills on 12 April, 2025
Bach Akademie Australia, based in Sydney and led by the celebrated violinist Madeleine Easton, is in a celebratory mood. For the first time the ensemble is spreading its wings with a national tour, which features Reginald Mobley the Grammy-nominated American countertenor as guest soloist.
A great choice, too, as the singer has a deep affinity with Baroque music and with J.S. Bach’s music in particular. His authentic interpretation of Bach’s vocal pieces in this stylish and rewarding concert amounted to a masterclass in musical story-telling. His voice has a luxurious sheen and emotive power which Mobley exploits to the full. It doesn’t matter what the narrative is, he maximises opportunities for expressive colour realised through a deluxe tone and impressive diction.