Concerto Copenhagen II – Stylus Phantasticus

We are absolutely thrilled to welcome one of the world’s leading baroque ensembles for a UK exclusive residency. They offer four wide-ranging programmes of beautiful baroque music including familiar composers as well as equally attractive works by lesser known figures. Under Lars Ulrik Mortensen’s direction a meticulous approach to historical material underpins its artistic orginality and continually evolving performance style and delivery.

The fiery, improvisatory brilliance of what was known as the ‘Fantastic Style’ became a defining feature of instrumental music in the 17th century. Originating in Italy, the style gave composers the freedom to astonish the listener, to be original and to express rapidly changing human emotions with virtuosic spontaneity. In Germany composers like Biber, Buxtehude and Schmelzer were famous for the exhilarating audacity of their instrumental writing, showcased in this wonderful programme by Concerto Copenhagen.

Biber Sonata VIII from Fidicium Sacro-Profanum
Castello Sonata XVI (Libro II)
Schmelzer Lamento di Ferdinando III
Froberger Toccata Seconda for harpsichord
Purcell Pavana in A major
Bertali Ciacona
Biber Sonata XI from ‘Fidicinium Sacro-Profanum’
Buxtehude Toccata for harpsichord in G minor
Schmelzer Polnische Sackpfeifen
Pachelbel Canon & Gigue

Other performances: 9, 13 and 15 September