Programmes

  Ein teutsches Werk

This programme concentrates on German composers from the late 17th century to the mid 1700s. Starting with Italian-influenced Kindermann over southern German virtuosity in Biber, via Erlebach and Buxtehude with new-found harmonical richness, to anglizised Pepusch and Handel and finally to Bach and Telemann – this is a display of a ever more flourishing development of German baroque music that took much inspiration from both Italy and France but added a polyphonic intricacy and musical depth unique to its German roots. The listener will also have the chance to appreciate the unfolding of instrumental technique and espressivity, from consort-orientated early textures through to a full use of each instrument’s capacities.

   London and Paris - The Spell of the Metropoles
  A baroque tale of two contrasting cities that attracted foreign composers and granted them success

In the late 17th and early 18th century, London and Paris were two flourishing cities with very different character. Their active musical life was influential for composers of many nationalities, who in turn contributed to their host cities’ cultures by providing new works.
This programme includes Telemann Paris Quartets, Simpson and Butler Divisions, Purcell Tunes for Harpsichord, Geminiani Cello sonata, Pepusch Violin sonata, and Handel and Loiellet Trio sonatas.

   Savoir vivre – La bella vita

France and Italy were the two competing nations that strongly polarized the musical landscapes of baroque Europe. From the luscious, tender and pleasing, so well expressed by the flute and the gamba, to the expressive, singing and passionate, epitomized by the Italian strings, violin and cello, this programme includes strong characteristic contrasts as well as attempts to merge the national styles on both side of the Alps. Music by Couperin, Lully and Rameau as well as Vivaldi, Locatelli and Veracini will be performed.

   Johann Christoph Pepusch and his Contemporaries

Discover the world and music of a not-so-much known early 18th century composer from Germany whose career spanned from work at the court of Prussian king Frederick the Great to acknowledgement as an opera composer, player, teacher and music collector in London just before and during Handel’s big successes. Amaranthos have been exploring manuscripts and old prints and are keen to still expand their work on this fascinating repertoire over the next year or so.

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