Musical improvisation and pre-planned, notated music that simulated improvisation remained in vogue throughout the eighteenth century. The main locus of improvisatory style was the fantasia, a genre epitomized by Telemann’s solo instrumental works for solo flute, violin, and viola da gamba and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach’s keyboard works. Our program is built around three fantasias: two by Telemann, and one by the younger Bach, who was his godson and namesake. Alternating ensemble pieces bring the solo instruments in dialogue with one another and explore the fantasia’s influence on other genres.
With guests Francesca Brittain, fortepiano, Sarah Cunningham, viola da gamba, and Margaret Humphrey, violin