THE CHACONNE with LES VOIX HUMAINES

Susie Napper, viola da gamba & treble viol

Mélisande Corriveau, viola da gamba & pardessus de viol

Elisabeth Wright, harpsichord

Jeffrey Cohan, baroque and renaissance flutes

Les Voix humaines, the widely celebrated prize-winning duo of viols from Montreal joins us for a program demonstrating the chaconne at it's most poignant, transporting three important works by Johann Sebastian Bach to an entirely new level through their own transcriptions, and presenting other remarkable but rarely heard repertoire for two viola da gambas, pardessus de viol, flute and harpsichord.

The hypnotic French chaconne that developed during the reign of Louis XIV brings the listener from one emotional realm to the next in a regular procession of episodes that transition gently in an emotional direction or leap suddenly with emotion and stark contrast, now uplifting or sad, majestic or introspective, hopeful or questioning. The pulse may feel broader, then more angular, then running with abandon or pregnant with poise, always cleverly evolving in the presentation of a musical story.

Bach and Telemann succeed in bringing this chaconne to a whole new level, as we'll experience with "Les Voix Humaines" in their very own transcription of Bach's Chaconne in D Minor for 2 viola da gambas, originally for solo violin, and in the chaconne entitled Modéré from Telemann's Paris Quartet No. 12 in E Minor for flute, pardessus de viole, viola da gamba and harpischord. Two outstanding quartets for two viola da gambas, flute and harpsichord celebrating this unusual combination of instruments will be heard alongside two additional transcriptions: for flute, pardessus de viol and harpsichord of Bach's Organ Trio Sonata in D Minor, and for solo harpsichord of the Allemande from Bach's D Major Suite No. 6 for solo cello.

Suggested Donation for all concerts:

$20 to $30

(a free will offering - everyone is most welcome)

18 and under FREE