Event
Albany Consort turns 40
The group doesn't have fixed personnel or fixed repertoire, though Marion and Jonathan do have some favorites. These are reflected in two upcoming programs this October a micro-orchestra program for recorder, oboe, violin, bassoon, cello and harpsichord; and a big band program with thirty musicians, including singers, a chorus, and an orchestra with recorders, flutes, oboes, trumpets and strings. Selections includes two of Vivaldi's Four Seasons, a Bach Birthday Cantata, and a Bach Harpsichord Concerto.
A relaxed and informal atmosphere is one of the key things about an Albany Consort event. Although Jonathan lets you know that he is in charge, frequently introducing the music to be performed, and seating himself at the harpsichord in the middle of the group, he explains that the music works best when everyone shares the responsibility. A conductor holding the central focus is not really needed for their repertoire, which is almost exclusively from the 17th and 18th centuries. "There are risks," Jonathan admits, "particularly when the group gets quite big. But the result has a quality that makes the risks worth taking. We are also not too concerned with getting things right. We like the freedom to try something out, even an idea that comes spontaneously in a performance, and our audiences really get this."
The group almost always uses instruments from the period of the music. "They can be finicky finicky". Jonathan knows this first hand, dealing with a harpsichord with its rather lightweight construction and 150 strings to keep in order! "Improvements that have occurred in the last two hundred years are not coincidences. They all point the way to better stability and more projection in large halls. But what we hear from their older versions is a greater natural intimacy that draws listeners in and makes them feel an integral part of our delving into the music, rather than just an observer of virtuosity.
In the last few years, Jonathan and Marion's daughter Laura has taken on the administrative burden of the group, as well as playing in it. In contrast to Marion and Jonathan, who came to this music when there were few devotees, and a lot of the learning was self-learning and trial and error, Laura recently graduated from the Historical Performance program at Juilliard, where she worked with Early Music's current leaders, and brings back all their collective wisdom. Along with Laura we have seen an influx of young players who are willing to pursue the same goals of keeping this music current and alive.
The next 40 years? Jonathan claims that while he can still move a harpsichord he will continue to launch more forays into the past. But no specific long term plans, just a general wish to continue to rediscover the past and confirm its relevance today.
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LocationSt. Bede's Episcopal Church (View)
2650 Sand Hill Rd.
Menlo Park, CA 94025
United States
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| Owner: Rubinsalz |
| On BPT Since: Apr 02, 2014 |
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| Laura |
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