Harpsichord & Violin Duo by Douglas Mews & Gregory Squire

Harpsichordist Douglas Mews and violinist Gregory Squire will present masterpieces of the baroque by Vivaldi and Bach. Although the two composers never met Bach was heavily influenced by Vivaldi’s compositions. The virtuosity of Vivaldi’s violin concerti is mirrored in Bach’s works for harpsichord and today’s programme includes his transcription for solo harpsichord of Vivaldi’s D major concerto from L’Estro Armonico.

Virtuosity aside, there is an immediacy of emotion in every movement of the sonatas being performed with an overall emotional context being supplied by the choice of key. Vivaldi, writing in A minor, is serious and rhythmically driven whilst his D major sonata smiles and dances with delight. Bach’s sonatas, in C minor and E major, are even more extreme and represent the very pinnacle of music for this combination.

Tickets $10 each at the door.
Proceeds will support the ongoing upkeep of this Category 1 Historic Site

Douglas and Gregory will happily talk about the music and the instruments and are relishing the opportunity to bring this music to life in a very special venue.

Programme:
Antonio Vivaldi 1678-1741. Sonata in A minor, Op. 2 no. 12
Johann Sebastian Bach 1685-1750. Sonata in E major, BWV 1016
A. Vivaldi. Concerto in D, RV 230, arranged for solo harpsichord by J.S. Bach
J. S. Bach. Sonata in C minor BWV 1017
A. Vivaldi. Sonata in D major Opus 2 no. 11.