Close Encounters: Re-tuned
Geneviève Gilardeau curator
November 12, 2020
The sound of string players tuning their instruments often signals the beginning of a concert. What happens when you change up this familiar tuning?
Many baroque composers experimented with re-pitching some of the strings to draw different sounds and possibilities from the violin, a technique called scordatura. Tafelmusik explores one of the most popular of these re-tunings (AEAE), which offers a very open, resonant sound — evoking trumpets and vielles (medieval string instruments). Tafelmusik also says a quick hello to our fiddler cousins, who still turn to this tuning for some of their traditional tunes.
Geneviève Gilardeau & Cristina Zacharias violins
Felix Deak viola da gamba & cello
Lucas Harris lute & guitar
Program
- H.I.F. von Biber Partia III for 2 violins & continuo
- Traditional Lea-Rig
- Robert Ridell, ed. The Lea-Rig Sonata, from Collection of Scotch, Galwegian, and Border Tunes, 1794
- Giuseppe Tartini Grave, from Sonata in A Major, op. 1, no. 13
- Michel Corrette Rondeau – Adagio – Presto, from L’École d’Orphée, op. 18
- Pierre Ballard, ed Tablature de luth de differens autheurs, sur les accords nouveaux (Paris, 1631)
- Anonymous From Margaret Board lute book (c.1635)
- Simon Riopel Valse des poêles
- Francesco Maria Veracini Scozzesse, from Sonata in A Major, op. 2, no. 9 (based on Scots tune “Tweedside”)
- Philipp Heinrich Erlebach Sonata terza for violin, viola da gamba & continuo
Date & Time: Thursday, November 12, 2020 at 8pm EST
Ticket price: $20 + service fees
Venue: Tafelmusik Digital Concert Hall
Box Office: 1 (833) 964-6337
Website: tafelmusik.org/retuned
Social Media: Join the conversation on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
About Tafelmusik
Led by Music Director Elisa Citterio and Executive Director Carol Kehoe, Tafelmusik is an orchestra, choir, and experience that celebrates beauty through music of the past.
Founded over 40 years ago on the pillars of passion, learning, and artistic excellence, Tafelmusik continues to bring new energy to baroque music and beyond. Historically informed performances of 17th- to 19th-century instrumental and choral music (led by Chamber Choir Director Ivars Taurins) share the stage with vibrant, insightful multimedia programs, and bold new music written just for the group. Each piece is played on period instruments, underscored and illuminated by scholarship.
Through dynamic performances, international touring, award-winning recordings, and comprehensive education programs, Tafelmusik invites audiences to engage with beauty and experience the breadth of emotion music can inspire.
For media information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Luisa Trisi, Big Picture Communications (416) 456-0499 | luisa@luisatrisi.com
