This concert is centered on music composed during the English Restoration (1660-1685), when the monarchy was restored and Charles II was crowned king. Following the previous artistically austere Commonwealth (1649-1660), music and theatre again began to flourish. Italian, French, and other continental influences were quite important to the sophisticated Restoration composers. The program features Purcell’s songs for soprano, divisions for violin and viola da gamba, courtly dance music interludes, and an instrumental fantasia.
Praised as an “energetic and talented band of string players" (clevelandclassical.com), Burning River Baroque is a Cleveland-based ensemble that specializes in fiery, historically informed string chamber music performances. hūmAnómali incorporates "extra-musical affairs," such as dance, gesture and theatricality, into their collaboratively structured ensemble featuring music from the antiquity to the present. The performers are Malina Rauschenfels, soprano; Peter Lekx, violin; David Ellis, viola da gamba; and Paula Maust, harpsichord. Donations will be gratefully accepted. For more information visit burningriverbaroque.org and humanomali.com.