The Secret Garden Cafe Concerts: The French Connection

A delicious menu of French Baroque delights served up by violinist Margaret Faultless and friends.

Jean-Baptiste Lully’s music, adorned with novelty, splendour and irresistible flair, dazzled the Paris of Louis XIV, the Sun King. Born in Italy in 1632 but spending much of his working life in France (until his death in 1687), he was the trailblazer for les Goûts réunis—the reunited tastes—blending the graceful French and fiery Italian ‘styles’ that grew into the lavish late Baroque musical language heard across Europe. His influence echoes in the work of Georg Muffat (1653–1704), Michel Richard de Lalande (1657–1726) and Bach’s contemporary Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683–1764). Despite its immense popularity, in performance and print, much of this music is seldom heard on the modern concert stage. Yet its refinement, exquisite gestures and beautifully precise ornamentation were so clearly designed for dancing. You might find yourself needing to get on your feet!

Programme:

LULLY Suite from Atys
LALANDE From Grande Piece Royale Qui le Roi Demandait Douvent
RAMEAU From Piece de Clavecin en Concert
MUFFAT Armonico Tributo No. 5

Inspired by the coffee-house culture that Johann Sebastian Bach enjoyed in 18th-century Leipzig, The Secret Garden Café Concerts are a new series of relaxed, intimate performances. Each concert is curated by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment’s principal players, uncovering rarely heard musical curiosities and forgotten gems that seldom appear on the modern concert stage.

For these events, the Assembly Hall at our home in Acland Burghley School will be transformed into a welcoming café setting. Your ticket includes a generous slice of cake and bottomless tea, coffee or soft drinks.