Vivaldi, Bohemia & 1723

1723 was a key year. In the Czech lands, Vivaldi’s patron Charles VI was crowned King of Bohemia in 1723 and for the occasion the Prague-born composer Zelenka wrote his opera Sub Olea Pacis with its sublime Angel Aria.

Vivaldi too had connections with Bohemia; he dedicated much of his output to the Bohemian Count Morzin. We also include Vivaldi’s virtuosic Laudate Pueri Dominum (parts sourced in Prague), which Vivaldi may have written for Anna Giraud, his pupil and paramour (whom he met in Mantua around 1723!)

And JS Bach, a great admirer of Vivaldi, moved from Cöthen to Leipzig in 1723, taking with him many concertos he had written for the Prince of Anhalt-Cöthen - one of which Kerstin Linder-Dewan performs .

Vivaldi Oboe concerto in A minor RV 461
Bach ‘Erbarme dich’ from St Matthew PassionBach Violin concerto (arr. of harpsichord concerto in E)
Zelenka Angel’s aria from Sub Olea Pacis Et Palma VirtutisVivaldi Laudate Pueri Dominum

Opportunity to picnic in the grounds before the concert.

Kerstin Linder-Dewan solo violin
Gail Hennessy oboe
Judit Felszeghy soprano
with Fiori Musicali chamber ensemble
Penelope Rapson harpsichord/director