Perspectives  |  Into the Baroque

Vivaldi's Four Seasons: From Venice to Helsinki

SPONSORED BY DR. SARA N. JAMES

Noted music historian Tim Carter (UNC-Chapel Hill) provides a broad perspective from which to consider Vivaldi's ever-popular Four Seasons concertos. He is joined by Finnish violinists Minna Pensola and Antti Tikkanen, sharing impressions and recollections of their Four Seasons performances from SMF 2015. 

Related SMF performances on YouTube

Bach's Twin "Tombeaux" of 1727

SPONSORED BY DON HAYNIE & TOM HAMLIN

Music historian Jon Gibson has a particular interest in 17th and 18th century music, and his understanding of related musical forms and genres brings special insight to Bach's sacred works. In this Perspective, Jon reveals connections between Bach's Trauerode and the aria "Komm, süsses Kreuz" from the St. Matthew Passion, both composed in 1727, and the broader tradition of musical memorials or tombeaux.

Related SMF performances on YouTube

Ritual and Meaning in Handel's Theodora

SPONSORED BY DAVIDSON PERRY-MILLER

In 2019 Staunton Music Festival presented Handel's late masterpiece, the oratorio Theodora, a work filled with superlative music and layers of dramatic meaning. In this Perspective, stage director Timothy Nelson reflects back on his conception for the production of Theodora as well as the magical combination of people and events that brought the performance to fruition.  

Related SMF performances on YouTube