Programme I - Sources of Inspiration
What inspires composers to write music? The sacred music of Schütz glorifies
God, using texts from the Psalms, while Biber is often inspired by images
of the life of Christ. A program of seventeenth-century sacred music from
the north of Germany, including sublime and truly inspirational music by Schütz
(works from Symphoniae Sacrae I & II), Buxtehude & Bruhns
(cantatas), and Biber (partitas and sonatas from Harmonia Artificiosa-Ariosa).
Programme II - From the Streets to the Courts
A journey into the street life of Italy in the Baroque period, including secular
madrigals and dances by Monteverdi and instrumental dance music by Turini,
Viviani, and others. This program explores the development in virtuosity;
the early pieces retain much of their folk character, while the later works
are much more refined and virtuosic.
Programme III - Spiritual Sojourns
A re-creation of what musical life would have been like in seventeenth-century
churches in Italy - sacred music, including motets by Monteverdi and Grandi,
interspersed with instrumental works from the same period by Castello, Fontana
and Stradella. The inclusion of works for solo organ completes the musical
sojourn.
Programme IV - Scandals and Escapades
A handful of composers led very adventurous lives, including petty theft,
love trysts, and even murder. This programme combines storytelling with music-making.
Did their amorous adventures or time spent in jail or exile influence their
music? You be the judge!
