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Exquisite musical gems of the 17th century
The 17th century was not without reason, known as the 'golden age' in
music and art. Around 1600, cataclysmic events occurred in the world of
music the effects of which would shape the course of western music for
the following centuries.
The birth of the violin
Along with the invention of opera around 1600, the birth of the violin
would prove to be one of the major turning points of music as musical tastes
changed to be more geared to the hedonistic and expressive.
Murcurial period, innovative music
In 'Sublime Inspiration' we uncovered some lost gems of this exciting and
mercurial period, and re-lived the excitement of a period of musical ferment
and experiementation which prompted some of the most innovative music of the
baroque period.
Tickets are no longer available for this event; see the Gallary section
for pictures
Programme
Dario Castello
Early 17th century, Venice
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By 1621 he was a musician at San Marco, Venice though his speciality
was wind instruments, especially bassoon. He published several collections of
his music which became very popular during the 17th century. |
Sonata Prima |
5 |
Johann Jakob Walther
b Witterda c1650; d Mainz 1717 |
With Biber, Walther was the most important and daring of the late
17th-century violinist-composers in Germany and Austria who cultivated virtuoso
techniques surpassing their Italian contemparies in this respect. |
Scherzo |
6 |
Giovanni Picchi
fl 1600-25 |
Picchi was not only a virtuoso harpsichordist, but also performed on the
lute, and was a renowned dancing master. This 'passa e mezzo' is based on the
passamezzo dance theme and incorporates many of the exotic harmonies and
'bizzaria' for which Picchi was renowned. He worked mainly in Venice as an
organist, and was famous for his extraordinary improvisations. |
'Passa e mezzo' for solo harpsichord from Intavolatura di balli d'arpicordo |
7 |
Filippo Piccinini
b ?Venice, fl.1639 |
Piccinini was for many years lutenist at
the royal court in Madrid. In this piece he oddly stresses
the uneven beats, imparting
an exaggerated swagger to the pulse. This may reflect the mysterious
'cappona' of the title, which is possibly a caricature of the
lumbering walk of an obese capon, or more likely a castrato. |
Chiaccona Cappona alla
vera Spagnola |
5 |
Diego Ortiz
b Toledo, c1510; d Naples, c1570 |
A very influential Spanish composer who spent a lot of time
in Naples, at a time when it was under Spanish rule. These pieces
come from his most famous publication in which he has composed
his own wonderfully ornamented versions of popular songs
of the period. |
Recercada Segunda sopra 'Il Passemezzo'
Recercada Quinta sopra 'La Spagna'
Recercada Settima sopra 'La Romanesca'
viola da gamba, theorbo |
5 |
Biagio Marini
b Brescia, 1594; d Venice, 1663 |
Violinist, music director, and composer in Venice. He was married
3 times, had 5 children, and lived to the ripe old age of 76! |
Romanesca (1618) |
5.20 |
Arcangelo Corelli
b Fusignano, 1653; d Rome, 1713 |
Corelli was a very innovative figure, and a stunning violinist.
He also the first composer to owe his reputation (mostly) to music publishing,
and the first to produce classic instrumental works which were
admired and studied long after their idiom became outmoded. |
Sonata OpV.III |
12 |
Thomas Baltzar
1630 Lubeck, 1663 London |
German Violinist trained in the Italian manner and employed
as a highly paid chamber musician by Queen Christina of Sweden in Rome
before Settling in England in 1655. Here he astounded the English by his
virtuosity both on the violin and with the beer mug. |
John come kiss |
4 |
Realm of Music presents:
Sublime Inspiration
Sunday 19 December 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 began with tea/coffee and buns served in the vestibule.
Guests were then ushered through to the Hall,
and enjoyed 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, musicians guided guests 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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