The Summer seems to be moving on so quickly and we can’t believe we are already into August. August marks a brief pause in our Summer Baroque & Beyond series, before we resume in September. And what a series it has been so far! We have been warmly welcomed by all of the communities around each venue, we have seen some fantastic historical churches and enjoyed many hilltop views. The cake has been delicious and the chat equally heart-warming. Audience comments on our feedback sheets tell us what a difference our concerts have made to individuals and the community, enabling particularly those still daunted by Covid to feel safe returning to a live music event.
So we feel very lucky to have been able to put together this series, thanks to the Continuo Foundation. We were very disappointed to have to postpone our 16 July event in Hayfield, but this has now been rescheduled to 1 October, and we have been invited to do an extra Baroque & Beyond event in New Mills on 25 September as part of the New Mills Festival. Prior to that of course we look forward to bringing our Magnificent Music programme to Baslow on 24 September.
If you haven’t managed to get to a Baroque & Beyond event yet, do come along for an hour of music followed by tea, cake and the chance to chat to the performers and see or even try out the instruments. As a reviewer from Castleton said, there is something for everyone in these programmes, whether you are a seasoned concert-goer or not! Here is the full review:
“On Sunday 19th June we were treated to a dashing and inspired performance of eighteenth- century music in Castleton Church by Baroque in The North, a Manchester-based ensemble consisting of Amanda Babington on violin, recorder and musette, Claire Babington on baroque cello and David Francis on harpsichord. Whilst the six composers whose music was featured were all born within 27 years of each other and were in their prime 300 years ago, there was plenty of variety in the music which included two short pieces for solo harpsichord, La Poule by Rameau and Le Coucou by Daquin, in both of which the harpsichord was used to imitate
the sounds made by these birds. The other pieces were a cello sonata by Vivaldi, a violin sonata by Boismortier, a recorder sonata by Telemann and a suite featuring the musette, or French bagpipes by Chedeville. In the pieces featuring the violin, recorder and bagpipes, the cello and harpsichord played a supporting “continuo” role, pointing out the harmony and rhythm of the music underneath the solo instrument.
The performers played beautifully and expressively together and showed a deep appreciation and sensitivity for this music which can be dazzling in its intense fast movements and full of quiet contemplation and yearning in the slow movements.
The trio talked with refreshing interest about their instruments and also brought cakes, and the ticket included a piece of cake and a cup of tea. This was the second of six concerts they are performing locally over the summer, alternating three different programmes of music across the six concerts. Tea and cake however will be featured at all the concerts. If you are new to this type of music, give it a go. If you are a seasoned listener, I am sure you will find it a treat.”
