Vivaldi meets Bach
Staged at the stunning venue of St. Paul’s Within the Walls Church, Vivaldi meets Bach offers an enchanting evening of Baroque music in Rome. This concert series promises a truly captivating journey through one of the most superbly orchestrated periods of musical history. Featuring works by Johann Sebastian Bach and Antonio Vivaldi, these performances stand out for their ideal setting which provides acoustics all audience-goers will take delight in. Fans of Baroque-era music and those new to it will discover unrivalled musical entertainment.
The first half of the concert showcases the exceptional organ works that Bach was famed for during his lifetime. This part of the programme brings to the fore the intricate beauty of his sacred compositions thanks to the venue's organ. The concerts open with one of several pieces taken from Bach's repertoire, a piece of music which changes depending on the date. Among other works, his Toccata, Adagio et Fuga in C Major BWV 564 or the superbly crafted Prelude and Fugue in B minor BWV 544 may feature. After this initial work, which lasts between 10 and 15 minutes, the concert proceeds with a rendition of the much-loved Gavotta I and II and the Giga in D Major from Orchestral Suite No. 3 BWV 1068. The duration for this piece is approximately 15 minutes and the historic church setting is perfect for a performance of it.
The second half of the programme is devoted to Vivaldi and his iconic Le Quattro Stagioni, known in English as The Four Seasons, of course. Opening with Spring, Concerto No. 1 in E major, Op. 8, RV 269, this famous figurative work carries on with Summer and Autumn before the thrilling climax of Winter. Each season, or concerto, is made up of three distinct movements so all facets of the changing year are explored in depth during the performance. The Four Seasons is played by a high-quality Baroque orchestra consisting of a solo violin, a first violin, a second violin, a viola, a cello and a harpsichord.
Vivaldi meets Bach, which has a total running time of 70 to 75 minutes, is a great way to get to appreciate the musical mastery of two of the best-known composers of their time. Vivaldi was a great influence on Bach's compositional style and, during his illustrious career, the German composer would even transcribe Vivaldi's concerti so they could be played on an organ. Thanks to a programme that offers subtle variations as well as some of the most-loved music in history plus the elegance of the church setting, Vivaldi meets Bach constitutes an evening of music in Rome like no other.