Vivaldi & Flavours
Enter a world of Baroque-era timeless music at one of Florence's most intimate church venues, the Santa Maria Vergine della Croce al Tempio, with Vivaldi & Flavours, a concert preceded by a three-course meal in a nearby restaurant. The programme typically includes two pieces by Antonio Vivaldi, one of the great masters of Baroque music, plus selected pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart for an event that will delight the senses.
Vivaldi & Flavours commences at Belcanto Ristorante, situated on Via di San Giuseppe in the heart of Florence. Concert goers gather at 7 pm for their meals, which consists of a choice of starters, usually a couple of pasta dishes and a third option, usually risotto. Next, a main meal of beef is served, followed by a chocolate mousse dessert but the menu does vary from time to time. Coffee, a glass of wine and water are included during this part of the event.
After the meal, it is just a few steps down the street to reach the ancient oratory of Santa Maria Vergine della Croce al Tempio which is often used for classical music concerts. The music, presented as The Four Seasons, begins at 9.15 pm. Although the programme is subject to minor alterations, as its name implies, it usually opens with a rendition of Vivaldi's quartet of violin concerti. Inspired by nature, this work is one of the best-known of all Baroque-era pieces.
The concert section of Vivaldi & Flavours often continues with Eine Kleine Nachtmusik by Mozart. The Austrian composer died before this particular piece was published, a breezy arrangement that is split into four delightfully engaging movements. It is a classical work that fits in perfectly with the Baroque music with which it is presented. The concert continues with more Vivaldi, usually his Concerto for Strings in G Major, RV 151. Also widely known as Concerto alla rustica, this chamber music work is thought to have premiered at a private concert at the court of the Ottoboni family in Rome sometime in the 1720s.
Bach's Air on the G String constitutes a fitting finale to Vivaldi & Flavours. Its stunning melody is often chosen to bring an end to proceedings. The tune is, in fact, taken from the second movement of a larger work, Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major, BWV 1068. Its theme was later rearranged by August Wilhelmj, a German violinist, who transposed it such that it could be played on just one string.
With great food, a convivial atmosphere, an attractive venue and masters of great music, Vivaldi & Flavours offers a fine evening of entertainment.