Violist

William Lawes and John Jenkins both had the unusual experience of working for the court of Charles I, a man with great wealth and power who loved the viol and its music. However, Lawes died at the age of 42 at the Battle of Chester during the Civil War, whereas Jenkins lived on even after the king was executed, survived that ill-fated experiment in a sort of democracy (the “Commonwealth”) as a resident musician in the house of a wealthy Catholic, and was then pointlessly employed by the court again after the restoration of the monarchy, by a king who had no interest in viol music.

EPSG:4326

The Consort Music Wars: Jenkins v. Lawes

Saint Mary Magdalen Church

This program is simply the cream of French viol music. Marais wrote 5 books of music for the viol (around 550 pieces in total), and was in charge of the court’s chamber music. Couperin wrote mostly for keyboard, but very late in his long life, he created 2 exquisite suites for viol and contino, as well as 2 of his “Concerts Royaux” for 2 viols. Viol players Hallifax & Jeffrey are joined by local star Andy Canepa to bring the best of this repertoire to you.

Music by Couperin and Marais

Parish Hall of St. Mary Magdalen

Music by Quantz, Hotteterre, Marais, Forqueray, and James Oswald. This elegant and unusual program has it all: from early French to late German baroque flute sonatas and even some of the rarely heard Scots flower pieces by James Oswald. Bach and Forqueray also make special appearances. To the delight of all, Janet See returns to the Bay Area with a program of intimate chamber music. Catch it while it’s hot!

Old Friends The Music That Stood the Test of Time

This concert features all of William Lawes’ extraordinary music for six viols, played by the Barefoot All-Stars!
Lawes was the most innovative of the post-Elizabethan composers. The “Setts” for six viols are a cornerstone of the repertoire, combining complex counterpoint with daring harmonic invention and an idiosyncratic melodic sense.
The Barefoot All-Stars have been bringing viol consort music to the Bay Area for nearly a decade. Formed as an occasional ad hoc group of viol players for the popular Barefoot Chamber Concerts series, the All-Stars have become a local institution.

The Barefoot All-Stars

The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life

Bach Sonatas for Harpsichord and Viola da Gamba

Barefoot Concerts at the Berkeley Festival 1

Saint Mark's Episcopal Church

On February 4 we continue mining the seam of English masterpieces; the Barefoot House Band, Hallifax & Jeffrey, with fabulous guest keyboard wiz Andy Canepa, will bring you a concert of English music for 2 bass viols and keyboards by Hume, Simpson, Locke, and other English 17th century stars.  This concert has been heard in a garage setting (for passing dog-walkers) for some time during the pandemic, and is now finally ready to be played in a civilized (and warm) environment, without (we hope) masks. Music from before and after the (English) Civil War.

Peter Hallifax

Violist

Events

Past events

Jan 5, 2024

The Consort Music Wars: Jenkins v. Lawes · Barefoot Chamber Concerts

Jun 12, 2023

Music by Couperin and Marais · Barefoot Chamber Concerts

About

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