The Annual

 Glebe Music Festival

In conjunction with The Glebe Society Inc

Concert 6:
Sunday 23rd November 2008 at 3pm:
St Scholastica's Chapel
cnr Arcadia Road and Avenue Road, Glebe Point.

DOUBLE BACH: THE HARPSICHORD IN DUET

Programme:

Musicians

Stan Kornel – violin
Rita Woolhouse – cello
Monika Kornel – harpsichord
Diana Weston – harpsichord

Accustomed as we are to hearing the piano as a full partner in an ensemble, whether it be a quintet or a duet, it may seem strange that the harpsichord did not ordinarily fill the same role. The harpsichord’s job was to fill out the harmonies and provide rhythmic emphasis in a semi-improvised fashion on the basis of its figured bass - in other words its role was purely supportive. Bach was the first composer to leave a substantial body of work that displayed the harpsichord as equal partner – in his sonatas for violin, viola da gamba and flute. With its capacity of independent movement of right and left hand parts, the harpsichord could provide two melodic lines. Combined with that of the other instrument, Bach was able to indulge in his love of polyphony. Thus the sonatas can be regarded as compositions in counterpoint created from three interweaving but independent parts.

The double concerto displays the harpsichord as duet instrument. Possibly originally written unaccompanied by orchestra, the Italianate concerto allows the harpsichords full scope for their dramatic and powerful expression.

© 2008 Patricia Baillie

About the Players

Monika and Stan Kornel are the directors of The Sydney Consort, an ensemble of outstanding quality which performs regularly in Australia in historic St Augustine’s Church, Balmain, as well as touring oversees. Over the last 10 years they have built up a reputation of excellence in baroque music, presenting works which are rarely heard as well as those that are more popular.

Diana Weston is the director of a newly-formed group ThoroughBass whose intention is to explore the substantial repertoire for countertenor, in particular the complete cantatas for alto by Handel in the year of his anniversary, 2009. As well, ThoroughBass focuses on recorder music seeking to expose this instrument’s unique voice. A regular concert series is held at St Luke’s Church, Mosman.

Rita Woolhouse has many years experience as both performer and teacher in Sydney and Wollongong, and now Canberra where she performs chamber music with the Marjorian Ensemble. She also frequently is involved in folk and blues events where she can indulge her improvisatory skills.

© 2008 Patricia Baillie