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Realm of Music and the Carlton Club recreate an 18th century musical banquet....
A signal of opulence and prosperity
The life of 18th century aristocrats was, of necessity, one of artifice and show.
A small German princedom might not have the funds for a huge army, but could
certainly give a strong impression of wealth and sophistication to visiting
heads of states by a stunning array of art and music.
The banquet a showpiece
The luxurious 18th century banquets were showpieces of culinary and artistic
delight, and talk of the the flawless musical and culinary taste of the host
would be the much sought after outcome, perhaps leading to reciprocal visits and
favorable relations. The King's choice of musicians could make or break an evening.
Musical Sophistication is a must...
While, in some courts, the music was simply an aural backdrop to the cluttering
of cutlery, in other places, sophisticated banqueting music was played between
the different courses or after the meal, and the diners listened with as much
attention as in an actual concert. The latter would take place in the more
illustrious courts - in Fredrick the Great's Berlin, or Louis XIV Versailles,
and this is the format we have chosen to present to you today...
Programme
Jacques Duphly
b Rouen, 1715; d Paris, 1789 |
Duphly started out life as an organist in his native Rouen, but soon moved to Paris where
he became one of the most sought-after harpsichordists and teachers of his generation in France. |
La de Redemond |
4 |
Tomaso Antonio Vitali
b Bologna, 1663; d Modena, 1745 |
Composer and violinist, he went to Modena in 1674 with his father,
(a distinguished violinist) with whom he probably learnt the violin. He was also
greatly influenced by Corelli (see 'Sublime Perfection') but this famous Chaconne
which has been a standard concert piece for many famous violinists for generations,
long attributed to Vitali is probably not actually by him! |
Chaccone |
12 |
Antonio Vivaldi
b Venice, 1678; d Vienna, 1741 |
The most original and influential Italian composer and virtuoso
violinist of his generation. He taught violin to the talented young
girls at the infamous Pieta orphanage in Venice, whose concerts
became a tourist magnet for the whole of Europe |
Cello Sonata in Bb major
RV 47 (1716-17) |
15 |
Johann Sebastian Bach
b Eisenach, 1685; d Leipzig, 1750 |
Bach is sometimes described as the greatest master of the baroque period. Not
only was he an outstanding organ and harpsichord virtuoso in his day, but his
compositions have shown themselves to be of such extraordinary quality and beauty that
his music still holds a special place in our hearts today as it has done for generations. He
has been described as the culminator of the baroque style. |
Sonata in G for violin and continuo, BWV 1021 |
10 |
Realm of Music presents:
Music for the King's Supper
Monday 21st Febuary 2005
Carlton Club, London Piccadilly
Champagne reception from 7.30pm
The event will begin with a champagne reception served in the vestibule.
You and your guests will then be ushered through to the Churchill Room,
to enjoy an evening of dining and, in between the 5 course meal, masterful 18th century music performed on original instruments,
in a beautiful space ideally suited to this intimate and extraordinary music.
During the music, you can sit back and let the
musicians guide you through the music, with brief and friendly
introductions to the pieces.
Every person also receives a 'listening
pack' specifically tailored to the event. A concept unique to Realm of
Music, this package of colourful cards presented in an attractive
graphical format, can help you enjoy the music even more by showing
you what to listen out for.
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