A CABINET OF BAROQUE CURIOSITIES
The term "baroque" is not always used in its original sense today, as it rather imprecisely encompasses a vast period roughly spanning from 1600 to 1750, whereas in fact it should describe music that surprises, that deviates from well-trodden paths, and that plays with spaces, contrasts, sounds, and timbres.
IL PIANTO DI MARIA
In the sacred repertoire of the 18th century there are several other compositions alongside Pergolesi's famous Stabat Mater that evoke the drama witnessed by the Virgin Mary at the foot of the cross. Giovanni Battista Ferrandini's Pianto di Maria lies at the very edge of the Gospel narrative and possesses a particularly moving theatricality.
Coline DUTILLEUL, soprano
CLEMATIS
THE SONATAS OF DAVID POHLE
Clematis has been exploring the fascinating repertoire of Sonatas for 4 to 8 instruments by David Pohle (1624-1695), a talented pupil of Heinrich Schütz, for several years already. Some of these have since been included in various programs, but the idea of recording the complete set became increasingly obvious as the discoveries continued.
THE CANTATAS OF DAVID POHLE
After focusing on the instrumental music of David Pohle and recording his complete instrumental works, Clematis is now passionate about the sacred music of this 17th-century German composer.
With his label Ricercar, whose reputation for exploring early music repertoire has been established internationally for nearly 50 years, Clematis embarked on this complete recording project. The project was undertaken in collaboration with the Grand Manège in Namur, where Clematis is currently in residence.
BACH'S SOURCES
The more one explores the German repertoire of the 17th century, the more one realizes its importance in the development of Johann Sebastian Bach. His work is indeed the legacy of a long stylistic journey whose foundations appear in the compositions of the early 17th-century masters, primarily Heinrich Schütz, who throughout his life continued to be a model for the next generation.
Paulin Bündgen, countertenor
CLEMATIS
SONATAS & PARTITAS
If we ask ourselves why Johann Sebastian Bach grouped his pieces for solo violin by grouping Sonatas and Partitas, the answer is immediately found in the works of his predecessors, and primarily in the Hortus Musicus of Johann Adam Reincken.
CLEMATIS
THREE VIOLINS FOR THREE KINGS
The consort of viols is today considered as the most characteristic ensemble of English music. While its use certainly continued until the mid-17th century, the current view of English musical life has overshadowed the importance of the violin during that period.
CLEMATIS
IN STILE ITALIANO
The invention of the violin by luthiers such as Amati, Da Salo, and Maggini In Brescia in the middle of the 16th century brought about a true revolution in musical life. Instrumental music took on a new dimension with this perfected instrument: the violin began to sing and move the listener, and like the voice, it soared into displays of virtuosity.
CLEMATIS
VENETIAN MIRRORS
A pair of pieces dedicated to Clematis were commissioned by the Festivals of Wallonia as part of the celebrations for Pierre Bartholomée's 80th birthday in 2017. Bartholomée's Toccata and Scena were included in a suite of Balli from Claudio Monteverdi's Orfeo. The juxtaposition of works by Monteverdi and Bartholomée caused great enthusiasm amongst the musicians of Clematis as well as the audience.
CLEMATIS
O JESULEIN
This highly original program presents the first performance of an imaginary Christmas Oratorio made up of works by 17th-century German composers. A large portion of these works have never been published and come from the extensive Düben collection housed in the library of the University of Uppsala.
Capucine KELLER and Julia WISCHIEWSKI, sopranos
Paulin Bündgen, countertenor
Maxime MELNIK, tenor
Philippe FAVETTE, bass
Brice SAILLY, direction
CLEMATIS
A MUSICAL EUROPE?
When discussing the development of instrumental music in 17th-century Europe, one could easily be tempted to say that two main forms emerged, the Sonata in Italy and the Suite in France. Basta! Nothing could be further from the truth.
CLEMATIS