the performers:
Hannah Ely (soprano) + Olwen Foulkes (recorder) + Harry Buckoke (viola da gamba)
the programme:
Exploring music from Giaches de Wert to Alessandro Scarlatti
about the music:
We haven’t come across a post-lockdown programme which consists entirely of Baroque music, so this won’t be one to miss.
It’s brought to you by the people who run the Handel & Hendrix museum on Brook Street, just around the corner from Grosvenor Square.
Handel & Hendix, 23-25 Brook Street
We don’t know exactly what’s in the programme, but we’ve got an idea: the concert will explore the development of ‘monody’ from Giaches de Wert in the 16th century to Alessandro Scarlatti in the 18th century, featuring a selection of pieces by Caccini, Strozzi, Purcell, and more.
Monody is generally used to refer to a single melody line, often voice, accompanied by an instrument. In this case, it refers to a type of song born in Italy around the late 16th / early 17th century.
In this concert, the melodies will be played by solo soprano and recorder, whilst a viola da gamba will play the accompaniment.
You may not be familiar with what a viola da gamba actually is, as its mainly used to perform music from the Baroque period (roughly 1600-1750), so here’s Jonathan Manson of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment with an explanation.
This music is all about intense emotion of the words from the original songs. The solo line is often embellished with twists and turns while the accompaniment provides a simple and beautiful support for the tune. Here’s an example with Olwen Faulkes (who’s playing in this concert) accompanied by viola da gamba (left) and theorbo (right):
The programme will showcase how this particular type of music developed over the course of 200 years. It’s going to be a real journey.
For further listening, check out this recording of a piece by Barbara Strozzi (featuring Hannah Ely, who will be singing soprano):
the performers:
Handel & Hendrix museum works closely with young classical performers and usually hosts weekly performances in Handel’s music room. Currently unable to run indoor concerts, musicians on their Talent Scheme will be performing baroque style music in the Square.
Specially selected by the museum’s Baroque specialist Laurence Cummings, Hannah Ely, Olwen Foulkes & Harry Buckoke really are some of the most exciting performers of this music around.
the venue:
We’ve been touting ‘the last outdoor performances’ of the year for a couple of weeks now, but with current complications that come with indoor events we’ve had a few more pop up. This one may well be the last of the year though!
Grosvenor Square is a large garden square in the heart of swanky Mayfair. The square’s currently undergoing redevelopment, but they’re using the space to host events and exhibitions. You can read more here, and let them know what you think. It’ll be an unusual and atmospheric setting for this great concert.
the price:
FREE (booking required)