Georgian Concert Society Presents: Monteverdi String Band Trio

The Monteverdi String Band Trio is Oliver Webber (violinist), founder of MSB and a member of the London Handel Players; Hannah Ely (soprano), founding member of the Fieri Consort; and Toby Carr, whose album ‘Battle Cry’ with Helen Charlston won both the BBC Music Magazine and Gramophone Awards in 2023. These superb musicians explore the world of 17th-century Italy, as the emergence of Monteverdi’s ‘seconda pratica’ opened up a new realm of expressive possibilities. Including Monteverdi’s iconic ciaconna Zefiro torna.Programme:Monteverdi: ‘Zefiro torna’
Luzzaschi: ‘Deh vieni ormai’
Caccini: ‘Queste lagrime amare’
Violin toccata + diminutions on ‘Vergine bella’
Monteverdi: ‘Ohimè ch’io cado’ with violin ritornelli
Marini: Sonata variata
Carissimi: ‘Exulta, gaude, filia Sion’IntervalPalestrina: ‘Vestiva i colli’ with diminutions for voice & violin
Anerio: Galliard on ‘Vestiva i colli’
Sances: ‘O Domine Jesu’
Bassano: Ricercata settima
Crequillon ‘Par trop souffrir’ with diminutions for violin & lute
Nauwach: ‘Amarilli mia bella’ passeggiata
Merula: Canzonetta spirituale
Gesualdo: ‘Mater Ierusalem’
Merula: ‘Cantate Jubilate’
BiographyMonteverdi String Band is dedicated to celebrating the sound and style of the early violin consort, in both well-established repertoire and innovative new programmes. Our instruments are carefully chosen: they are modelled on originals from the early decades of the 17th century, rather than the 18th century, when developments which led the violin away from its origins as a consort instrument transformed its sound into something perhaps more brilliant but less rich and grounded. We relish the sound of pure gut strings in equal tension; this and the use of matching instruments brings a unique sound to the ensemble: as one critic wrote, 'The MSB’s sound is quite unlike any that of any other ensemble I know that plays this music'.We very much enjoy bringing our expertise to well-known works such as the operas of Monteverdi and Cavalli, or the iconic 1610 Vespers; we have also created a number of original programmes, ranging in scale from chamber programmes to full scale staged productions, in which we take inspiration from the wider cultural milieu. Featured themes (musical and non-musical) include Galileo, madrigals, swordsmanship, ornamentation and poetry."The performances from the Monteverdi String Band are wonderfully vivid and vital. Technically superb, but in a highly expressive way..." (Robert Hugill)