"The passion for music making of Friedrich der Grosse and his nephew Friedrich Wilhelm II, the Crown Prince, made possible that Berlin and Potsdam attracted many musicians from all over the continent" |
Berliner BlauSolo Cello Music in the Prussian Court Works by J. C. F. Bach, W. F. Bach, C. Graziani and C. Schaffrath. Berliner blau was the first relatively lightfast blue pigment to be widely used following the loss of knowledge about the synthesis of Egyptian blue. Discovered in Berlin by the paint maker J. J. Diesbach around the year 1706, it became a symbol of Prussia, being the color adopted for the uniform coat worn by the Prussian Army. Prussia was throughout the second half of 18th century a main musical center, especially for instrumental music. The passion for music making of Friedrich der Grosse and his nephew Friedrich Wilhelm II, the Crown Prince, made possible that Berlin and Potsdam attracted many musicians from all over the continent. These musicians established there and contributed to secure this leading cultural position in Europe. The cello was a main point of attention, due to the fact that Friedrich Wilhelm II was himself a highly skillful cellist. He was taught by Carlo Graziani, Italian cellist who worked for many years in Berlin. He had as well Wilhelm Friedrich Ernst Bach (the son of Johann Christoph Friedrich Bach) as music director of the Court. He was known for his support to the arts, especially to the music and the architecture. With this programme, we would like to bring an image of the musical life the Prussian Court experienced along those years. |
L'eco di ParthenopeThe Flourishing of the Cello in the Early 18th Century Naple Works by A. Scarlatti, F. Supriano, G. Ruvo, R. Greco, F. Alborea and G.B. Pergolesi. According to the Greek Mythology, Naples was founded by the Siren Parthenope. Ever since, it has been one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and it has always been in the spotlight of the Mediterranean culture. The Early Modern Naples, ruled successively by Spanish and Austrian viceroys, was a main focus of the European culture. Science, philosophy, literature, painting, and, specially, music were widely cultivated and supported by its governors. The soundscape of the early 18th century Naples was incredibly rich and diverse. The music was very present in the theaters, the churches, the court, private houses, the streets, etc. The city was especially renowned by the good reputation of its four conservatories. These charitable institutions, founded in the 16th century, began to specialize in music education for children from the Neapolitan poorer families, in order to cover the increasing demand of music performances in the city and give the children a musical career. The cello, an instrument which was already in development in Northern Italy since around 1680, enjoyed a special fame and attention in these institutions, which led to a depth revolution in its technique and its repertoire. This program is our tribute to the first Neapolitan cellists, who became a reference for the next generations of cellists along the 18th century. |
"The cello, an instrument which was already in development in North Italy since around 1680, enjoyed a special fame and attention in the conservatories, which led to a depth revolution in its technique and its repertoire"
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