Music of the Spheres

Once upon a time, the Earth was at the centre. The planets rotated above it – each one anchored to a transparent sphere. Above everything, the ‘fixed stars’ acted as the supposed limit of the entire universe, overseeing everything below. The celestial music created by these rotating spheres was harmony – and only our souls were able to hear that music.

The philosophical implications of this ancient theory are still with us. We often place ourselves at the centre, using our experience and our cultural background to interpret our environment – but what we see isn't necessarily true or historically correct.

Telemann, Graupner and Bach competed for the same position of Thomaskantor in Leipzig. Telemann and Graupner refused the offer because they could get more money elsewhere. That left Bach to take up the position. Ultimately, of course, history was on Bach’s side, with hundreds of performances of his passions (meanwhile, Telemann's Brockes passion is rarely performed today).

Lully's and Molière's risqué humour likely tested the tolerance of the French court – and if we don’t put the music in a historical context today, it doesn’t make much sense. Corelli’s influence has permeated Western classical music through the centuries and still does today.

Our understanding of the world, the universe and everything has, of course, changed over the years, and there is still much to discover. We may have moved on from the idea of a ‘fixed earth’, but the harmony of the spheres is still with us – and in this concert, your soul will discover it once again!

Programme:
GP Telemann Brockes Passion TWV 5:1 (excerpts): Sinfonia | aria “Mein Vater” - Jesus | aria ‘Er weg’ - Gläubige Seele
G Graupner Suite in E minor for 2 Oboes da Caccia, Strings and Continuo GWV 442
A Corelli Concerto Grosso Op. 6, No. 11 in B Flat major
JC Fasch Trio Sonata in B flat for 2 oboes, Bassoon and Continuo
JB Lully Quatrième intermède, 'la Ceremonie des Turcs', from le Bourgeois Gentilhomme
JS Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 BWV 1046

Istante Collective:
Phil Wilcox baritone
Nicola Barbagli, Yanina Yacubsohn oboe
Peter Moutoussis, Sam Middleton horn
Inga Maria Klaucke bassoon
Beatrice Scaldini, Ellen Bundy, Rebecca Harris, Abel Balasz violin
Joanne Miller viola
Martyna Jankowska cello
John-Henry Baker double bass
Johan Lofving theorbo
Matthew Brown harpsichord

The Baroquestock Pantry will be serving homemade focaccia, biscuits and drinks before and after the concert!