Curating Music History: Vivaldi double Cello concerto
This concerto for 2 Celli by Vivaldi (1678-1741) is an example of the Concerto Grossi style of composition that was common in the Baroque Era. Instead of the more familiar concerti from the later periods, where a single soloist was matched against a larger massed orchestra, the concerto grosso was a contrast of two groups. The concertino (which was the smaller group of "soloists") and the ripieno (the tutti). The two groups played off each other rather in a more conversational style rather than the tutti acting as the backdrop for a soloist.
Vivaldi is one of the most familiar names from the Baroque era. The Red Priest (supposedly because he had red hair and was a priest!), is most famous these days for his Four Seasons, which is a staple of concert halls and soloists all over the world.
Most of his compositions were written for the girls orphanage, Ospedale della Pietà, in Venice. The quality and difficulty of the writing suggests that the girls were musicians of high quality, however, they had to play behind curtains to preserve the secrecy of the performer's identities (that they were girls!).
This particular concerto is a celebration of the dark colours of the cello, with the cello duo (the concertino) chasing each other through various passagework, whilst being bracketed by the rest of the group (the ripieno). It is a really great representation of the bassy aspects of the string group!
The Performers
Fabio Biondi and his group, Europa Galante, are a bit of divisive taste in the field of Early Music. There are many people who are not fond of his interpretations, often citing the lack of historical practices in the playing. Others are enthusiastic supporters, enjoying the focus on performance that is informed from the academic research.
Personally, I fall mainly in the second camp. I think the academic research is incredibly useful and enlightening, but in the end the performance is what the audience sees and experiences and thus should take primary focus.
Hearing Europa Galante was my first experience of Early Music and it was the group that led me down the path of my current specialisation.
Previous Curating Music History posts
Last movements from 2nd Sonata in a minor (Westhoff)
Last movement from Brahms Violin Concerto
Finale from 4th Symphony (Tchaikovsky)
Last movement from "Jupiter" Symphony #41 (Mozart)
Overture to Midsummer Night's Dream (Mendelssohn)
Histoire du Tango: Cafe 1930 (Piazzolla)
Last movement from Violin sonata 2 (Prokofiev)
Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra (Britten)
'Sonata in d minor for violin and continuo" (Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre)
'Sonata duodecima' for Violin and Continuo(Isabella Leonarda)
Chaconne from Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme (Lully)
Upgoats by ryivhnn
Account banner by jimramones
The classical music community at #classical-music and Discord. Follow our community accounts @classical-music and @classical-radio. Community Logo by ivan.atman
Join us @steemitbloggers
Animation By @zord189
Posted from my blog with SteemPress : http://www.gamerjokerbreadder.com/2018/08/24/curating-music-history-vivaldi-double-cello-concerto/
Your post has been supported and upvoted from the Classical Music community on Steemit as it appears to be of interest to our community.
If you enjoy our support of the #classical-music community, please consider a small upvote to help grow the support account!
You can find details about us below.
The classical music community at #classical-music and Discord.
Follow our community accounts @classical-music and @classical-radio.
Follow our curation trail (classical-radio) at SteemAuto or help us out with a delegation!
Beautiful music, and the explanation behind it is really cool! Thanks for sharing, it was a lovely read while listening to some equally lovely music ^^
Thank you, glad you enjoyed the music!
Hello @bengy, thank you for sharing this creative work! We just stopped by to say that you've been upvoted by the @creativecrypto magazine. The Creative Crypto is all about art on the blockchain and learning from creatives like you. Looking forward to crossing paths again soon. Steem on!
Thank you for the support!
NEW TIER UPVOTES user guide
Current price is 0.150 or 0.151 SBD for 200%, 250%, or 300% upvote based on tier level.
200% ($0.30) - Bronze Level - No requirements
250% ($0.37) - Silver Level - SteemAuto Upvote of 100% or $0.02 (whichever is possible)
300% ($0.45) - Gold Level - SteemAuto Upvote of 100% or $0.02 AND 50 SP delegation
50 SP --- 100 SP --- 200 SP --- 500 SP --- 1000 SP
That being said...
Investors who delegate SP to @thundercurator are entitled to 75% of @thundercurator income after curation. Get on-board early and grow with us!