CONTENT COURTESY AUSTRALIAN YOUTH ORCHESTRA
Immerse yourself in the ornate Baroque music of France and Germany as Momentum Ensemble performs a selection of works by Rameau, Francœur, and Fasch.
The first half of the 18th Century gave rise to a new genre of French opera, the tragédie en musique; a style of operatic writing that truly comes to life in Rameau’s Dardanus. The opera depicts the dramatic, supernatural story of Jupiter’s son, Dardanus, as he battles monsters and kings to win the hand of his rival’s daughter, Iphise. The orchestral suite captures all of the intrigue and emotion that led Dardanus to be hailed as an acclaimed operatic work, and one of Rameau’s most inspired musical creations.
The remainder of the concert features uplifting music by François Francœur and Johann Friedrich Fasch; lesser-known, yet esteemed composers who were considered innovators of their time. Harpsichord virtuoso Erin Helyard leads Momentum Ensemble as they present this charming collection of Baroque works in the sophisticated surrounds of the Art Gallery of NSW.
Dardanus – a musical tragedy
Momentum Ensemble + Erin Helyard: Director
Repertoire:
FRANCŒUR: Simphonie pour le festin royal de Comte d’Artois: Suite No. 2
FASCH: Concerto in D minor for 2 flutes, 2 oboes and 2 bassoons
RAMEAU: Suite from Dardanus
Date: 7pm May 12
Location: Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney
