Grounds for Exchange
Grounds for Exchange places the music of seventeenth century Italy and England in conversation. In Italy, basso continuo and new approaches to melody and text transformed vocal and instrumental music. In England, these developments met established traditions of consort music, ayres, dance and division playing.
Ground basses and variation forms run through both traditions, giving composers and performers a shared foundation for invention. Bellot Ensemble sets Italian songs, sonatas and canzonas beside English ayres, consort music and divisions, revealing both points of contact and distinct musical characters.
MUSIC BY
Claudio Monteverdi • Barbara Strozzi • Tarquinio Merula • Biagio Marini • Dario Castello • Henry Purcell • Matthew Locke • Henry and William Lawes • John Jenkins • Nicholas Lanier • and their contemporaries
FOR PROMOTERS
Grounds for Exchange can be presented as a 60 minute concert without an interval or as a full evening programme. It is available as an instrumental concert or with one or two singers.
Forces are drawn from one or two violins, viola da gamba or bass violin, theorbo or lute, and harpsichord or chamber organ. Repertoire and instrumentation can be shaped around the venue, audience and practical requirements while preserving the dialogue between the Italian and English traditions.
Representative running orders and technical information are available on request.
Performers
Bellot Ensemble - New Generation Baroque Ensemble
Vocal versions can feature soprano and viola da gamba player Lucine Musaelian, tenor Kieran White, or both.