Concert date: 18 & 19 May 2018
From Gabrieli to Handel, take a trip with UK period instrument violinist Peter Hanson through the elegance and riches of the Baroque greats, whose genius is displayed in their rich writing for voice and instrument – for which they often treated one like the other.
A multitude of solos is key to the design of the concerto grosso, a compact instrumental showcase that the likes of Biber and Vivaldi developed to spectacular heights. Arias from Handel’s most popular oratorio, Messiah, are just a tiny sample of the vast treasure troves of Baroque musical drama. Purcell’s pioneering work setting English language theatre music, and the lively dance-operas of French Baroque master, Jean-Philippe Rameau, equally deserve your listening ear.
