Free pre-concert talk at 3:15pm

What’s Fantasticus??? The Fantastic Style in music is related to the art of improvisation, and was described as “…especially suited to instruments. It is the most free and unrestrained method of composing, it is bound to nothing…it was instituted to display genius” (Kircher). Composers in the 17th century, such as Buxtehude and Schmeltzer, wrote in this style, which is inventive and free-form while requiring both great discipline and virtuosity from our performers. You’ll be amazed!

Our program will include trio sonatas by Buxtehude, Erlebach, and Schmeltzer; a sonata by Schmeltzer newly edited from manuscript by Julie Andrijeski, and another “hunting horn” sonata; a soulful version of Dowland’s famous Lachrimae by Johann Schop; The Echo of the Danube for solo viola da gamba by Schenck and a Buxtehude virtuosic prelude for harpsichord; and a rollicking ciaconna for 2 violins by Antonio Bertali.