Instrumental Offerings: Music as Diplomatic Gift in 18th Century Europe January 10, 2008

The Four Nations Ensemble with guest artist Jessica Gould, soprano
Tickets: $25 general
$17 seniors and students
For tickets and information call (212) 501-3011 or E-mail:
[email protected]

While porcelain, paintings, and precious gems were valued as gifts among royal courts, music was an equally significant offering as well as an accompaniment to gift-giving rituals. Serenades, sonatas, cantatas, and recreational music were often presented as forms of affection, respect, and homage.

Presented in conjuction with the Bard Graduate Center exhibit, "Fragile Diplomacy: Meissen Porcelain for European Courts," this concert will feature cantatas by Heinichen and Hasse, Johann Sebastian Bach's trio sonata from the Musical Offering (composed for Frederick the Great of Prussia) and the "Paris" Quartet by Telemann. The Heinichen cantata will be a modern-day premiere, reconstructed by Ms. Gould from the manuscript in the collection of the Sachsische Landesbibliothek Dresden.

Official Website: http://www.fournations.org/january08.htm