ThoroughBass | Music Ensemble Sydney

Shakespeare in Song

admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:09:44 +0000

Three chapters in the imaginary Book of Shakespeare are ‘introduced’ by recorder player Joanne Arnott - a book devoted to music associated with Shakespeare. The first chapter features music performed in the plays as they first appeared. The second sees Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream the basis of an opera in excerpts from Purcell’s The Fairy Queen. In the third, Shakespeare’s mark is as the text in the songs of Rubbra, Vaughan Williams and Rutter. Singing the tales are Danielle Grant (soprano) and Jenny Duck-Chong (mezzo), with Cathy Upex (gamba/cello) and Diana Weston (harpsichord)

Laughter and Tears

admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 04:43:19 +0000

Benedetto Marcello’s oratorio Il pianto e il riso delle quattro stagioni, presented in collaboration with members of The Song Co., is a depiction of the death and assumption of Mary. Contrary to morbid expectations, the narrative is chockablock with exuberant melodies as, Marcello believed, it was a work divinely inspired. With guest singers Anna Fraser, Lanneke Jones, Mark Donnelly, Richard Butler and a band of 5 string players.

La liberazione di Ruggiero dall’isola d’Alcina

admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 04:40:16 +0000

Francesca Caccini’s only surviving opera, La liberazione di Ruggiero was first performed in 1625. Probably the first opera written by a woman, it is an imaginative conglomeration of story and song combining arias, duets, trios and chorus with delightful instrumental intercessions.At its heart is the idea of mind control but its setting is pure fantasy with dolphins, singing plants, fiery seas and monsters.

Brandenburg IV for 4

admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 04:15:19 +0000

Two grand works stand transformed side by side – J. S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. IV for two recorders, harpsichord, strings and continuo is heard in an arrangement for 2 recorders and 2 harpsichords. Doubly transformed, Elena Kats-Chernin’s Reinventions, based on six of Bach’s 2-part inventions, is arranged by the composer for recorder and harpsichord, and premiered at this concert where Amelie sits next to Dracula! With Alana Blackburn and Joanne Arnott (recorders), Monika Kornel and Diana Weston (harpsichords).

Apollo and Dionysus

admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 02:51:10 +0000

The juxtaposition of pain and beauty was recognized from as far back as Greek mythological times as the gods of music - Apollo (beauty) and Dionysus (destruction). This concert highlights the interconnection between the two states of being. and how one is incomplete without the other. in music by Handel, Marcello, Neitsche, Glass and others. With Hester Hannah (soprano), Angus Ryan, Lucy Cormack (cellos), Alicia Crossley (recorder) and Diana Weston (harpsichord).

So Many Sensuous Pleasures in Such a Short Time

admin — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 06:58:54 +0000

The sound of eight cellos is a wrap-around warm and sensous sensation. Eight form an orchestra with voice in Villa Lobos’ romantic Bachianas Brasilieras No. 5. With combinations of two, three and four we also present music by Granados, Vivaldi and Marcello. Led by guest director Tim Blomfield and featuring the sultry voice of soprano Hester Hannah this is a concert of full of excitement and energy.

Love and Desire in the Time of Handel

admin — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:44:52 +0000

Soprano Hester Hannah draws upon her extensive operatic background to fully engage you in her highly expressive and dramatic rendition of Handel’s cantatas. Written when the composer was young, raw and fresh, these heart-rending songs presage his own operatic development. With up and coming recorder player and recording artist Alicia Crossley, playing music by Bach and Telemann, and accompanied by Diana Weston on harpsichord and Angus Ryan on cello, the program is varied and fascinating. This concert is supported by the Willoughby Spring Festival 2011 Grant Program and is to be held in Willoughby’s wonderful new chamber music venue, The Studio on The Concourse.

Sparkles on the Sea

admin — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 04:58:00 +0000

Jogging perambulators, portly waders and sparkles on the sea – Manly in the morning. Thoroughbass and the Manly Arts Festival present a concert celebrating the light, colour and life of Manly. In joyous music by Bach and Vivaldi played on two sparkly harpsichords with two lively recorders. Monika Kornel and Diana Weston (harpsichords), Alana Blackburn and Joanne Arnott (recorders).

The English Rose

admin — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 06:24:20 +0000

A symbol of England from medieval times, the rose stands also as a reminder of England’s long attachment to nature. Embedded in its culture, whether it be a love of gardens, long walks through the counryside, masques or the backdrop to Midsomer Murders, the natural world is everywhere, forming the imagery of English poetry, literature and music. This concert spans 3 centuries with music by Dowland, Purcell, Pepusch, Rubbra and others. Expect music that is restrained, funny, even ecstatic, but nothing ostentatious. Danielle Grant (soprano), Cathy Upex (gamba, cello), Alana Blackburn (recorder), Diana Weston (harpsichord).

The Abandoned Woman

admin — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 05:58:39 +0000

Most of Handel’s women suffer the fate of abandonment by those they love. With his cantata Lucrezia as a starting point, this concert explores the idea of abandonment – from the pain of rejection and loss to the fire and passion underlying dances of abandonment – fandangos, sarabands and tangos. With Sydney’s premier lutenist Tommie Andersson and the wonderfully expressive soprano Hester Hannah in music by Handel, Ferrari, Piazzola and Yates.