Baroque Concert with the Budapest Festival Orchestra: F. Scarlatti, Hasse, Telemann, Pisendel, Handel

About the Event

Step back into history and experience the grandeur of Baroque music at the beautiful Liszt Academy Concert Center in Budapest.

Immerse yourself in an evening of Baroque treasures at the BFO's pre‐Christmas early music concert. Half a dozen musical gems, spanning spirited movements, poignant arias, and captivating concertos, promise to enchant the audience.

Under the masterful guidance of Rachel Podger, heralded by the Times as 'the unsurpassed British glory of the baroque violin,' the ensemble and violin concerto come alive. Accompanying this will be opera and cantata excerpts delivered by the luminous Rowan Pierce, a young soprano whose voice BBC Music Magazine lauds as 'clear, strong, supple, sparkling, and warm.' The esteemed Sigrid T’Hooft, a leading connoisseur of Baroque choreography, orchestrates this not‐to‐be‐missed performance.

Dive into the Legacy of the Scarlatti Family: While six concertos published in 1740 bear Alessandro Scarlatti's name, orchestration credit goes to Charles Avison. Interestingly, only four of these pieces are Alessandro's brainchild his lesser‐known brother, Francesco, crafted the other two, including the emotive F major sonata.

Hasse’s Opera Magic: In 1731, Hasse spun the tale of Alexander the Great’s duel with King Porus into an opera, featuring Cleophis, a fictional heroine portrayed by Hasse’s wife in the debut. Her aria, a melody of reassurance towards a possessive husband, stands out.

Telemann’s Personal Touch: Known for his flair with the recorder, Telemann's Concerto in F major showcases an expressive range. This piece is a true testimony to Telemann's intimate bond with the instrument, giving both the bassoon solo and other instrumentalists their moments in the spotlight.

Pisendel's Underappreciated Genius: Johann Georg Pisendel, an associate of Telemann and student of Vivaldi, left an indelible mark in Dresden's musical tapestry. Despite his significant contributions, his works remain relatively unsung. His Violin Concerto in G minor elegantly traverses moods, from graceful to playful.

Hasse's Orchestral Brilliance: In just nine minutes, the three‐movement finale of Hasse's orchestral series encapsulates a world of emotions: from the exuberance of a storm to the serene pace of a walk, culminating in an exhilarating finale.

Handel's Secular Narrative: Handel, adapting to an opera prohibition in Rome, crafted secular cantatas, notably 'Da quel giorno fatale' or 'The Delirium of Love'. Echoing the tale of Orpheus, it recounts a tale of love unreturned. Beyond the poignant vocal narrative, Handel crafted memorable solos for a range of instruments.

Join us for a voyage through time, celebrating the lesser‐known composers and the luminaries of the Baroque era.