Ensemble Galatea Curious Inventions:Virtuoso Music from 17th century Italy Director: Paul Beier Performers: Monika Huggett, violin; Bruce Dickey, cornetto; Paul Beier, lute & chitarrone; Richard Savino, baroque guitar & lute; Gianluca Capuano, organ Giovanni Buonamente: Sinfonia Quinta Sonata Quarta Sonata Quinta Claudio Merulo: Canzona for two lutes Biagio Marini: Capriccio Ballo Secondo Sonata Quarta "per sonar con due corde" Giovani Palestrina: Prelude-Vestiva colli Io son ferito ai lasso Io son ferito Dario Castello: Sonata Seconda Francesco Corbetta: Sinfonia Giovanni Fontana: Sonata Undecima Venue: University Chapel, University of British Columbia Date: 14 March 2003 Reviewer:
Lois Carter
The brilliance of the late Renaissance in Italy not only attracted men
from all over the continent but also exerted a powerful influence on
aristocratic society, art, and writing. The most important type of composition
at this time was undoubtedly the madrigal, foreshadowing the advent
of Baroque music. Tonight's concert
highlighted virtuoso 17th-century Italian music and in particular the
art of diminution (shortening the time value of a note) which was by
then already a mature art form. In the Canzona
for two lutes the soft raindrop plucking created a therapeutic atmosphere,
each lute held by the player as if in a tender embrace, in turn enveloping
the listener in utter tranquility. Monica Huggett (violin) was at ease
with both the music and her technical ability. Her artistry was fascinating
to watch and she produced diminution to well nigh perfection. Bruce Dickey gave a humourous explanation of its history saying that the Cornetto has never evolved. His performance in both ensemble and solo were for me one of the highlights of the evening, and his playing can be described as simply exquisite. Another highlight was the chamber organ, a five-rank instrument acquired by Early Music Vancouver in 2001 and played by Gianluca Capuano, organist at the Basilica of San Simpliciano in Milan. The contribution Early Music Vancouver brings to Canada's cultural life is invaluable. The standard of ensemble in tonight's concert was first class in every way. The performance was well attended, and the programme was received with great adulation. I hope they will be invited here again. © 2003, Lois Carter |