A Taste of Italy - Early Bird

About

18th century Italy was a hot-bed of musical creativity, inspiring composers throughout Europe. This afternoon's programme is a musical 'Lasagne', mostly Italian, but with layers from France and Germany - and a sprinkle of folk-music for seasoning.

The four musicians of Early Bird present solos, duos, trios and quartets by Antonio Vivaldi, Anna Bon di Venezia, Tommaso Giordani and Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre, along with grand desserts by Handel and Bach.

Followers of Early Bird will recognise the names of Anna Bon and Elisabeth Jacquet as the creators of unexpectedly popular items performed in recent concerts by the group. In response to requests for more from these two neglected geniuses, Early Bird brings you a Venetian Divertimento and a Parisian Sonata, each featuring the three string instruments and harpsichord.

Solo items include Bach's 'Aria variata alla maniera italiana' and fiddle tunes from Calabria, Puglia and Alsace. Outer layers of the lasagne are provided by chamber works from Vivaldi and the four years' Italian resident, Handel.

Early Bird: Jean Paterson (baroque violin), Stefanie Heichelheim (baroque viola), Sebastian Comberti (baroque cello) and Sharon Gould (harpsichord).