The concerto remains one of the most important inventions in the history of music. Juxtaposing one or more soloists with a supporting ensemble, allows for dynamic exchanges, contrasting colors, textures and timbres which never fail to delight the ear. It was Vivaldi who, while not its creator, definitively set the form in three movements: quick-slow-quick. This model was soon adopted by all of Europe— the concerto grosso remaining closer to the old model set by Corelli. On the program is Alessandro Marcello’s famous Oboe Concerto, two Vivaldi concertos— including one guitar concerto— Bach’s Concerto for two violins, and Handel’s concerto grosso.
Who is L’Harmonie des saisons?
Founded in 2010 by co-directors Mélisande Corriveau and Eric Milnes, ensemble L’Harmonie des saisons inspires audiences with its fresh and unique musical approach. After presenting forty different programs in over 150 concerts, the ensemble, which performs on period instruments, continues to expand its acclaim throughout Quebec, Canada and abroad. Their recordings on the ATMA Classique label – Las Ciudades de Oro, Pardessus de viole and Marin Marais : Badinages – have been the recipients of the coveted JUNO prize, the Prix Opus, Radio-Canada’s Recording of the Year, among the CBC’s Top Ten CDs of the Year, and made the Apple Music prestigious TOP Ten Classical Recording list. The ensemble, alongside international guest artists, hosts a prestigious series of concerts and has been featured at international series’ and festivals across Europe, North and South America.
Recorded at The Bishop Stewart Memorial Church, Frelighsburg, Qc
February 14th, 2 p.m. EST – Available for two weeks
Concert program
Antonio Vivaldi (1678 – 1741)
Concerto for four violins in B minor, op. 3 nº 10, RV 580
Allegro
Largo – Larghetto – Adagio – Largo
Allegro
Alessandro Marcello (1684 – 1750)
Concerto for oboe in D minor, S.Z 799
Andante e spiccato
Largo
Presto
George Frideric Handel (1685 – 1759)
Concerto grosso in F Major, op.6 nº 2, HWV 320
Andante larghetto
Allegro
Largo
Allegro ma non troppo
Antonio Vivaldi
Concerto for guitar in D Major, RV93
Allegro giusto
Largo
Allegro
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 – 1750)
Concerto for two violins in D minor, BWV 1043
Vivace
Largo ma non tanto
Allegro
L’HARMONIE DES SAISONS
Eric Milnes, musical Director and harpsichord
Matthew Jennejohn, baroque oboe
David Jacques, baroque guitar
Julia Wedman, Jessy Dubé, Marie Nadeau-Tremblay & Guillaume Villeneuve, violins
Hélène Plouffe & Valérie Arsenault, violas
Mélisande Corriveau & Felix Deak, cellos
Pierre Cartier, doublebass
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