5th October – Trio Notturno in the Salons of Vienna
In early 19th century Vienna the guitar was the instrument of the day both for domestic music-making (in salons such as ours) and as a solo concert instrument. And Trio Notturno, Jamie Akers (guitars – various), Eva Caballero (flute) and Rachel Stott (viola), have come together to explore the wealth of music that was written for those guitars .
Nineteenth century instruments are warmer in tone and smaller than modern ones but have extra strings and frets to broaden their range. Jamie plays 6 string Viennese guitars as well as 9 and 10 stringed instruments, both of which were hugely popular, encouraging many composers to write and arrange music both for solo guitar and chamber groups. The combination with flute and viola is particularly delectable. In keeping with Jamie’s guitars Eva’s flute is made of wood rather than metal and Rachel’s viola strung with gut-core strings, both contributing to a softer, more intimate sound.
If you would like to sample their sound, check in to the Trio Nottourno website here.
Trio Notturno’s programme for 5th October will include familiar names such as Beethoven and Diabelli as well as their lesser-known friends and compatriots – and a recent composition specially written for Trio Notturno.
It will be followed by an early 19th century supper – including the ever popular Cabbage and Caper Salad…
To book for 5th October – go here.
Declan and Ellen
Earlier in the month Declan Hickey‘s 19th century guitar had also been in action playing Naploéon Coste’s Le Montagnard as an opener to his and oboist Ellen Willkinson‘s delightful guitar and oboe recital.
However, they soon moved on to another heyday of the guitar – the 1980s, when composers seem to have been particuarly keen on partnering their guitars with oboes. So we had some hard core 1980s music with Elizabeth Lutyens‘ Déroulement (as far as we know, a world premiere), Eleanor Alberga‘s rather more gentle Resolution and Tom Eastwood‘s charming Uirapurù – about the tiny Amazonian bird which was all but hunted to extinction because of the aphrodisiac powers with which its embalmed body was thought to be imbued. And finally five lovely short guitar solos by Declan’s friend the composer Oran Johnson inspired by woodcuts by the abstract expressionist artist Helen Frankenthaler.
To give you a flavour here are short clips from the Coste, followed by the Lutyens, the last of the Woodcuts solos – and that Amazonian bird.
Jazz garden party – 31st August
Join us any time between 1.30pm and 8pm on the 31st August – for jazz with Sol Grimshaw and his group, bread, cheese, fruit, wine and beer.
Go here for more details and to book.
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