One of the most common stories told in music is that of metamorphosis or transformation – of themes developing during the course of a movement, of melodies reimagined through ornaments or variations, of borrowings from other composers repaid with musical interest, and of music transferred from one medium to another, as in the case of arrangements. In this program, we explore versions of this story through works spanning the mid-seventeenth century to the early romantic era, from Baltzar and Corelli through Haydn, Mozart, and Köhler.

Featured are Baltzar’s variations for violin on “John come kiss me now,” a Corelli sonata transferred to the flute and transformed by the embellishments of several eighteenth-century violinists, Haydn’s arrangements of traditional “Scots” songs, and arias from Mozart’s Magic Flute reimagined by Johann Wendt for instrumental chamber ensemble. Joining us will be three special guests, all well known to Philadelphia audiences: tenor James Reese, violinist Evan Few, and cellist Eve Miller.

This concert will be performed at Powel House as part of the PhilaLandmarks Early Music Series. No tickets required; pay what you wish at the door. To reserve your seat, click here.