In Bach’s last years, his attention turned to the art of counterpoint, raising his mastery to new and higher pinnacles of achievement. His vision was deteriorating and his handwriting worsened, until the final stroke that brought his life to a sudden end in the midst of composing the Art of Fugue. ARTEK pays homage to Bach’s art by performing his instrumental chamber music in the form of instrumental sonatas for violin, viola da gamba, obbligato harpsichord, and obbligato lute together with some of Bach’s profound counterpoint from The Musical Offering and The Art of Fugue. We know that Bach arranged and re-arranged much of his instrumental music, and in that spirit, we present sonatas in alternate instrumentation, as well as a sonata originally thought to be by Bach but now known to be by the lute composer Sylvius Weiss.

ARTEK • The Art of Bach

Saint Ignatius of Antioch Episcopal Church

Four emerging vocal stars from our Virginia Best Adams (VBA) Masterclass perform Baroque masterpieces with members of the Festival Orchestra. The VBA presents free, open masterclasses throughout the Festival.

Virginia Best Adams Masterclass Showcase

Carmel Presbyterian Church Carmel-By-The-Sea

This one-to-a-part cantata series features the Festival soloists as the vocal consort. The Trauerode, BWV 198, is a masterpiece that features funeral music that provided the backbone for the St. Mark Passion. The Lamentations of Jeremiah by Zelenka are beautifully conceived, gorgeous melodies imbued with mysticism.

Cantatas and Lamentations

All Saints' Episcopal Church

The early 17th century was a time of musical experimentation and stylistic change. The new “Stile Moderno” was expressive and dramatic. The early composers on this program pushed the boundaries for instrumental music, writing passionate and virtuosic works that forged new territory for the violin.

Italian Modern

Sunset Center

Albert Einstein said, “I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music.” The violinist Enrico Gatti is no different, with a long life of performing music, writing about music, discovering and editing unknown repertoire, and teaching the next generation. For this concert, we dream together of the 17th century in England, with chamber music of 17th-century English composers Jenkins, Simpson, Locke, Lawes, and Matteis.

Daniel Swenberg

Events

Upcoming events

Feb 8, 2025

ARTEK • Musical Daydreams · Gotham Early Music Scene

Past events

8 - 9 Nov, 2024

ARTEK • The Art of Bach · Gotham Early Music Scene

Jul 27, 2024

Virginia Best Adams Masterclass Showcase · Carmel Bach Festival

Future and recently performed repertoire

Theorbo in 12 Sonatas by Leonarda

Carmel Bach Festival

Theorbo in Lass, Fürstin, lass noch einen Strahl by Bach

Carmel Bach Festival

Theorbo in 6 Lamentationes pro hebdomada sancta by Zelenka

Carmel Bach Festival

About

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