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Revel in the music of the Masters
Whereas Sublime Inspiration introduced the world of 'baroque', which originated
with the wonderfully imaginative creations of the 17th century Italians, and French
Perfection presented the other 'face' of baroque - the understated, and delicate
French style, Ripe Baroque represents composers who took inspiration from thier talented
predecessors and created the mature baroque style as we know it today - the perfect synthesis of the
Italian and French musical styles.
Vivaldi - daring innovator stands the test of time
Antonio Vivaldi's name is almost always associated with one of today's
favorite classical music numbers - the set of four violin concertos he wrote
on a sonnet describing the four seasons. This was very innovative music in his own time -
quite different from that of his immediate predecessors - composers such
as Biagio Marini, and Arcangelo Corelli who featured in Sublime Inspiration.
However, Vivaldi also inspired those who followed and was a very influential
teacher - the cello sonata featured in this programme was almost certainly destined for
one of his pupils at the Venetian orphanage where he built one of
the finest tourist attractions of his day - the orchestra of the Ospedale della Pieta.
Even the great J.S. Bach transcribed many of his concertos as a way to learn the Italian style.
Bach and Handel - the two giants that never met
George Frederick Handel was a much more cosmopolitan composer than J.S. Bach, who never
actually left Germany. Bach always wished to meet his famous contempory, but somehow
it just never quite worked out. The french obsession with dance manifested itself in
music by the composition of instrumental pieces based on the rhythms and characteristics
of the dances. The allemande for solo harpsichord is one such piece, written by Handel in the
French style.
Great collaborations lead to music that never dies.
In today's programme, we can hear how the great composers of the 18th century
drew inspiration both from the music of the past as well as from thier contemporaries
and used it to create a musical genre that has retained a universal appeal for more
than 250 years.
Programme
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 |
Aria from the cantata All'ombra di sospetto (in the shadow of suspicion)
for soprano, violin and continuo |
5 |
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 |
George Frideric Handel
b Halle, 23 Feb 1685; d London, 14 April 1759 |
One of the greatest composers of his age. |
Aria 'As when the dove laments her love' from Acis and Galatea |
5 |
George Frideric Handel
b Halle, 23 Feb 1685; d London, 14 April 1759 |
Handel was also one of the finest keyboard virtuosi |
Allemande for solo Harpsichord |
5 |
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 |
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:
Ripe Baroque
Sunday 27th Febuary 2004
St. Albans Town Hall
Afternoon tea and buns from 4pm
Concert: 4.30 - 5. 45pm
Wine and cheese reception with the musicians
The event will begin with a tea/coffee and buns served in the vestibule.
You and your guests will then be ushered through to the Hall,
to enjoy an hour of masterful 18th century music performed on original instruments,
in a beautiful space ideally suited to this intimate and extraordinary music.
During the concert, you can sit back and let the
musicians guide you through the music, with brief and friendly
introductions to the pieces.
Every person who enters the Realm of Music 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.
The post-concert reception presents an ideal setting for socializing as well as
a great chance to meet up with the musicians and
other people involved in creating this unique event.
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