Bon Anniversaire, Rameau
Evening Music | May 6, 2010
One of the greatest figures in the history of French music, Jean-Philippe Rameau, was born this day in 1683. Accordingly, we hear a lot from him this fine Autumn evening.
The Rameau Concert No. 2 is played by The Queen’s Chamber Band, led by the incomparable Elaine Comparone at the harpsichord. Subtitle “La Laborde” in honor of one of Rameau’s acquaintances, the work is essentially a suite for harpsichord with accompanying instruments, the choice of which is left to the group at hand. Comparone has orchestrated this Concert No. 2 herself, choosing the melody instruments in a manner she feels brings out the nature of the work. The Queen’s Chamber Band, by the way, will be performing at Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall on Sunday, October 2nd.
More Rameau can be heard after the Keller Quartet plays Shostokovich’s Fifteenth String Quartet. Shostakovich is another birthday honoree, having been born this day in 1906. This last of the quartets is in six movements that follow one another without interruption, like one long and somber elegy of pain.
» Queen’s Chamber Band at Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall
The Rameau Concert No. 2 is played by The Queen’s Chamber Band, led by the incomparable Elaine Comparone at the harpsichord. Subtitle “La Laborde” in honor of one of Rameau’s acquaintances, the work is essentially a suite for harpsichord with accompanying instruments, the choice of which is left to the group at hand. Comparone has orchestrated this Concert No. 2 herself, choosing the melody instruments in a manner she feels brings out the nature of the work. The Queen’s Chamber Band, by the way, will be performing at Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall on Sunday, October 2nd.
More Rameau can be heard after the Keller Quartet plays Shostokovich’s Fifteenth String Quartet. Shostakovich is another birthday honoree, having been born this day in 1906. This last of the quartets is in six movements that follow one another without interruption, like one long and somber elegy of pain.
» Queen’s Chamber Band at Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall
