Saturday, January 1
Bach at New Year’s Live! The “Brandenburg Concerti”
Eugene Drucker, violin; Kenneth Weiss, harpsichord; The Berkshire Bach Ensemble
The Berkshire Bach Society presents a program of all six of Johann Sebastian Bach’s "Brandenburg Concerti" from December 31, 2021, through January 2, 2022, in Great Barrington, Troy, and Northampton. The concerts are dedicated in memoriam to the late Kenneth Cooper, Music Director Emeritus. Celebrate the New Year in Classical Style!
3pm - Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, 30 2nd St, Troy, NY 12180
$30-$90
https://berkshirebach.org/events
Eugene Drucker, violin; Kenneth Weiss, harpsichord; The Berkshire Bach Ensemble
The Berkshire Bach Society presents a program of all six of Johann Sebastian Bach’s "Brandenburg Concerti" from December 31, 2021, through January 2, 2022, in Great Barrington, Troy, and Northampton. The concerts are dedicated in memoriam to the late Kenneth Cooper, Music Director Emeritus. Celebrate the New Year in Classical Style!
3pm - Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, 30 2nd St, Troy, NY 12180
$30-$90
https://berkshirebach.org/events
Sunday, January 2
Bach at New Year’s Live! The “Brandenburg Concerti”
Eugene Drucker, violin; Kenneth Weiss, harpsichord; The Berkshire Bach Ensemble
The Berkshire Bach Society presents a program of all six of Johann Sebastian Bach’s "Brandenburg Concerti" from December 31, 2021, through January 2, 2022, in Great Barrington, Troy, and Northampton. The concerts are dedicated in memoriam to the late Kenneth Cooper, Music Director Emeritus. Celebrate the New Year in Classical Style!
3pm - The Academy of Music, 274 Main St, Northampton, MA 01060
$30-$90
https://berkshirebach.org/events
Eugene Drucker, violin; Kenneth Weiss, harpsichord; The Berkshire Bach Ensemble
The Berkshire Bach Society presents a program of all six of Johann Sebastian Bach’s "Brandenburg Concerti" from December 31, 2021, through January 2, 2022, in Great Barrington, Troy, and Northampton. The concerts are dedicated in memoriam to the late Kenneth Cooper, Music Director Emeritus. Celebrate the New Year in Classical Style!
3pm - The Academy of Music, 274 Main St, Northampton, MA 01060
$30-$90
https://berkshirebach.org/events
Friday, January 14
Music from the Heart: Mitteldeutschland
Sarasa Ensemble: Reginald Mobley, countertenor; Elizabeth Blumenstock, Christina Day Martinson, violins; Keats Dieffenbach, Jenny Stirling, violas; Jennifer Morsches, violoncello piccolo, Timothy Merton, cello; Michael Beattie, organ.
Following the devastation of Germany’s 30 Years’ War in the 17th century, the resurgence of music became the focal point of every town and village, a rich lineage that led to the genius of Johann Sebastian Bach. Not to be missed, this program highlights the singular power of music’s solace in times of crisis. Featuring countertenor Reginald Mobley, this program includes works by forgotten German masters Philipp Heinrich Erlebach, Johann Adam Reincken, Clamor Heinrich Abel, as well as J.S. Bach.
7:30pm - Brattleboro Music Center, 72 Blanche Moyse Way, Brattleboro VT
$20
https://bmcvt.org/event/sarasa-ensemble-music-from-the-heart/
Sarasa Ensemble: Reginald Mobley, countertenor; Elizabeth Blumenstock, Christina Day Martinson, violins; Keats Dieffenbach, Jenny Stirling, violas; Jennifer Morsches, violoncello piccolo, Timothy Merton, cello; Michael Beattie, organ.
Following the devastation of Germany’s 30 Years’ War in the 17th century, the resurgence of music became the focal point of every town and village, a rich lineage that led to the genius of Johann Sebastian Bach. Not to be missed, this program highlights the singular power of music’s solace in times of crisis. Featuring countertenor Reginald Mobley, this program includes works by forgotten German masters Philipp Heinrich Erlebach, Johann Adam Reincken, Clamor Heinrich Abel, as well as J.S. Bach.
7:30pm - Brattleboro Music Center, 72 Blanche Moyse Way, Brattleboro VT
$20
https://bmcvt.org/event/sarasa-ensemble-music-from-the-heart/
Saturday, January 15
Ensemble Drills: Susato's Premier livre des chansons à deux ou trois parties (1544)
Rainer Beckmann, recorder
Explore Tielman Susato's noteworthy collection of cantus firmus chansons and improve your skills as an ensemble player. Published in 1544, Susato's Premier livre des chansons à deux ou trois parties contains two- or three-part didactic settings of famous Franco-Flemish songs. Its repertoire seems to be ready-made for our new reality of Zoom gatherings: 1) Enjoy beautiful melodies of well-known chansons such as Mille regretz and Doulce memoire; or 2) choose a second, more challenging contrapuntal line (with both these parts supported by pre-recorded material); or 3) be in charge of the optional bass part all on your own in a music-minus-one format. Geared to: recorder players. The music is equally well suited for emerging and more experienced ensemble players. Singers and other instrumentalists are welcome! Pre-recorded materials will make use of SATB recorders. Pitch: A=440.
11AM-12:30pm EDT - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Rainer Beckmann, recorder
Explore Tielman Susato's noteworthy collection of cantus firmus chansons and improve your skills as an ensemble player. Published in 1544, Susato's Premier livre des chansons à deux ou trois parties contains two- or three-part didactic settings of famous Franco-Flemish songs. Its repertoire seems to be ready-made for our new reality of Zoom gatherings: 1) Enjoy beautiful melodies of well-known chansons such as Mille regretz and Doulce memoire; or 2) choose a second, more challenging contrapuntal line (with both these parts supported by pre-recorded material); or 3) be in charge of the optional bass part all on your own in a music-minus-one format. Geared to: recorder players. The music is equally well suited for emerging and more experienced ensemble players. Singers and other instrumentalists are welcome! Pre-recorded materials will make use of SATB recorders. Pitch: A=440.
11AM-12:30pm EDT - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Giants of the Dulcian Family
Wouter Verschuren, presenter
Four years ago Wouter started his investigation into the largest sizes of the dulcian family. Remarkable instruments made out of large pieces of wood made without modern equipment - who played them? What music was played and where, and what role did they play? This class will be a presentation of Wouter's four year PhD journey into these fascinating instruments.
1-2:30pm EDT - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Wouter Verschuren, presenter
Four years ago Wouter started his investigation into the largest sizes of the dulcian family. Remarkable instruments made out of large pieces of wood made without modern equipment - who played them? What music was played and where, and what role did they play? This class will be a presentation of Wouter's four year PhD journey into these fascinating instruments.
1-2:30pm EDT - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
No Regrets! Music of Josquin, Agricola, and others, in modern and early notation
Patricia Petersen and Doug Young, recorders
Many musical regrets survive from the end of the 15th century; we’ll play settings of chansons by Josquin, Hayne, Agricola, Compere, and others, from various manuscript and print collections. When it’s over, we can send all our regrets packing! We’ll be teaching from modern scores, but will provide facsimiles of the originals for those who would like to use them. For recorders and any other instruments (or voices, but most pieces are not texted) who don’t mind playing along with Pat and Doug at 4’ pitch. High intermediate and up; participants should be comfortable with Renaissance rhythms.
3-4:30pm EDT - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Patricia Petersen and Doug Young, recorders
Many musical regrets survive from the end of the 15th century; we’ll play settings of chansons by Josquin, Hayne, Agricola, Compere, and others, from various manuscript and print collections. When it’s over, we can send all our regrets packing! We’ll be teaching from modern scores, but will provide facsimiles of the originals for those who would like to use them. For recorders and any other instruments (or voices, but most pieces are not texted) who don’t mind playing along with Pat and Doug at 4’ pitch. High intermediate and up; participants should be comfortable with Renaissance rhythms.
3-4:30pm EDT - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Music from the Heart: Mitteldeutschland
Sarasa Ensemble: Reginald Mobley, countertenor; Elizabeth Blumenstock, Christina Day Martinson, violins; Keats Dieffenbach, Jenny Stirling, violas; Jennifer Morsches, violoncello piccolo, Timothy Merton, cello; Michael Beattie, organ.
Following the devastation of Germany’s 30 Years’ War in the 17th century, the resurgence of music became the focal point of every town and village, a rich lineage that led to the genius of Johann Sebastian Bach. Not to be missed, this program highlights the singular power of music’s solace in times of crisis. Featuring countertenor Reginald Mobley, this program includes works by forgotten German masters Philipp Heinrich Erlebach, Johann Adam Reincken, Clamor Heinrich Abel, as well as J.S. Bach.
7:30pm - Harvard-Epworth United Methodist Church, 1555 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge MA
$25 GA; $20 Seniors; $10 Students, children free
https://bmcvt.org/event/sarasa-ensemble-music-from-the-heart/
Sarasa Ensemble: Reginald Mobley, countertenor; Elizabeth Blumenstock, Christina Day Martinson, violins; Keats Dieffenbach, Jenny Stirling, violas; Jennifer Morsches, violoncello piccolo, Timothy Merton, cello; Michael Beattie, organ.
Following the devastation of Germany’s 30 Years’ War in the 17th century, the resurgence of music became the focal point of every town and village, a rich lineage that led to the genius of Johann Sebastian Bach. Not to be missed, this program highlights the singular power of music’s solace in times of crisis. Featuring countertenor Reginald Mobley, this program includes works by forgotten German masters Philipp Heinrich Erlebach, Johann Adam Reincken, Clamor Heinrich Abel, as well as J.S. Bach.
7:30pm - Harvard-Epworth United Methodist Church, 1555 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge MA
$25 GA; $20 Seniors; $10 Students, children free
https://bmcvt.org/event/sarasa-ensemble-music-from-the-heart/
Sunday, January 16
The Baroque Trio
Gwyn Roberts and Sarah Shodja, recorders
1-2:30pm EDT - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Gwyn Roberts and Sarah Shodja, recorders
1-2:30pm EDT - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
The Anatomy of a Mystical Marriage: Integrating Solo and Bass in Marais‘ Preludes
Sarah Cunningham, viol, and Leon Schelhase, harpsichord
A hands-on class for viol players and harpsichordists, with analysis and practical techniques for how to approach these beautifully constructed, rhetorical works. Sarah and Leon have been working intensively together on understanding the ensemble challenges and musical issues presented by this rewarding repertoire. We’ll demonstrate by analyzing the rhythmic structure, harmonic structure, and phrase structure in selected Preludes, from simple to more complex, which participants may prepare ahead of time in order to play along. Viol players can experience solo or continuo roles, or both. We'll offer technical tips, musical insights, and answer your questions. Repertoire: From Book 5: Prelude 1. From Book 2: Prelude 22. From Book 4: Prelude 23. Geared to: viol and harpsichord players. Pitch: A=415.
3-4:30pm EDT - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Sarah Cunningham, viol, and Leon Schelhase, harpsichord
A hands-on class for viol players and harpsichordists, with analysis and practical techniques for how to approach these beautifully constructed, rhetorical works. Sarah and Leon have been working intensively together on understanding the ensemble challenges and musical issues presented by this rewarding repertoire. We’ll demonstrate by analyzing the rhythmic structure, harmonic structure, and phrase structure in selected Preludes, from simple to more complex, which participants may prepare ahead of time in order to play along. Viol players can experience solo or continuo roles, or both. We'll offer technical tips, musical insights, and answer your questions. Repertoire: From Book 5: Prelude 1. From Book 2: Prelude 22. From Book 4: Prelude 23. Geared to: viol and harpsichord players. Pitch: A=415.
3-4:30pm EDT - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Music from the Heart: Mitteldeutschland
Sarasa Ensemble: Reginald Mobley, countertenor; Elizabeth Blumenstock, Christina Day Martinson, violins; Keats Dieffenbach, Jenny Stirling, violas; Jennifer Morsches, violoncello piccolo, Timothy Merton, cello; Michael Beattie, organ.
Following the devastation of Germany’s 30 Years’ War in the 17th century, the resurgence of music became the focal point of every town and village, a rich lineage that led to the genius of Johann Sebastian Bach. Not to be missed, this program highlights the singular power of music’s solace in times of crisis. Featuring countertenor Reginald Mobley, this program includes works by forgotten German masters Philipp Heinrich Erlebach, Johann Adam Reincken, Clamor Heinrich Abel, as well as J.S. Bach.
3:30pm - Follen Community Church, 755 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington MA
$25 GA; $20 Seniors; $10 Students; children free
https://bmcvt.org/event/sarasa-ensemble-music-from-the-heart/
Sarasa Ensemble: Reginald Mobley, countertenor; Elizabeth Blumenstock, Christina Day Martinson, violins; Keats Dieffenbach, Jenny Stirling, violas; Jennifer Morsches, violoncello piccolo, Timothy Merton, cello; Michael Beattie, organ.
Following the devastation of Germany’s 30 Years’ War in the 17th century, the resurgence of music became the focal point of every town and village, a rich lineage that led to the genius of Johann Sebastian Bach. Not to be missed, this program highlights the singular power of music’s solace in times of crisis. Featuring countertenor Reginald Mobley, this program includes works by forgotten German masters Philipp Heinrich Erlebach, Johann Adam Reincken, Clamor Heinrich Abel, as well as J.S. Bach.
3:30pm - Follen Community Church, 755 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington MA
$25 GA; $20 Seniors; $10 Students; children free
https://bmcvt.org/event/sarasa-ensemble-music-from-the-heart/
Saturday, January 22
VdGS-NE Special Topic: Psalm to Table - Artisanal Psalms for the Home Market
Sarah Mead, viola da gamba
When the Reformation swept through much of 16th-c Europe, it brought with it a demand for sacred music that set the local language in familiar musical styles. Church congregations could now join in singing psalms, but musical gourmets ate up the opportunity to make this music at home, too. The printing press brought tuneful new wares to market for discerning locavores to consume around their own tables. Enjoy a tasting menu of English, French, Dutch and German music in four and more parts, from simple and nourishing settings to more subtly spiced confections, created for the discerning palate of the amateur music-maker. Both viol-family and friends are welcome at the feast. Parts and scores suitable for all levels and sizes of viols, voices, and recorders. Pitch = A440 to encourage a diverse company.
3-4:30pm - online (link sent to registrants)
$15 members/$20 nonmembers. Register by January 19.
Website
Sarah Mead, viola da gamba
When the Reformation swept through much of 16th-c Europe, it brought with it a demand for sacred music that set the local language in familiar musical styles. Church congregations could now join in singing psalms, but musical gourmets ate up the opportunity to make this music at home, too. The printing press brought tuneful new wares to market for discerning locavores to consume around their own tables. Enjoy a tasting menu of English, French, Dutch and German music in four and more parts, from simple and nourishing settings to more subtly spiced confections, created for the discerning palate of the amateur music-maker. Both viol-family and friends are welcome at the feast. Parts and scores suitable for all levels and sizes of viols, voices, and recorders. Pitch = A440 to encourage a diverse company.
3-4:30pm - online (link sent to registrants)
$15 members/$20 nonmembers. Register by January 19.
Website
Saturday, January 29
Secret Voices: Thirteenth-Century Polyphony for the Nuns of Las Huelgas
Susan Hellauer, voice
In the early 1180s, King Alfonso VIII of Castile founded a convent near Burgos in north-central Spain. This Cistercian convent became a retreat (Las Huelgas means “place of refuge”) for royal and noble women seeking the religious life. Despite the Cistercian rule that prohibited these ladies from singing polyphony, it seems to have been an “open secret” that polyphony was both sung and enjoyed at Las Huelgas, and that the musical rights and privileges accorded only to male clerical singers were enjoyed there as well. The Codex Las Huelgas, copied in the first quarter of the 14th century, is an anthology of 186 works of European polyphony and monophonic Latin song that spans the entire 13th and early 14th centuries. Sing or play along with conductus, motets, polyphonic songs, and even a solfeggio exercise made for the exceptional singing sisters of Las Huelgas Geared to: singers, but instruments are welcome to join. Pitch: A=440.
1-2:30pm EDT - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Susan Hellauer, voice
In the early 1180s, King Alfonso VIII of Castile founded a convent near Burgos in north-central Spain. This Cistercian convent became a retreat (Las Huelgas means “place of refuge”) for royal and noble women seeking the religious life. Despite the Cistercian rule that prohibited these ladies from singing polyphony, it seems to have been an “open secret” that polyphony was both sung and enjoyed at Las Huelgas, and that the musical rights and privileges accorded only to male clerical singers were enjoyed there as well. The Codex Las Huelgas, copied in the first quarter of the 14th century, is an anthology of 186 works of European polyphony and monophonic Latin song that spans the entire 13th and early 14th centuries. Sing or play along with conductus, motets, polyphonic songs, and even a solfeggio exercise made for the exceptional singing sisters of Las Huelgas Geared to: singers, but instruments are welcome to join. Pitch: A=440.
1-2:30pm EDT - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
The Birth of the Sonata - How Did We Get There?
Héloïse Degrugillier, recorder
How did Renaissance music, with its polyphony and its dances, evolve into the Baroque genre of the sonata? We will explore the chanson, the canzona, and the fugue and see how they were all a stepping stone to the birth of the sonata. Geared to: upper intermediate to advanced recorders, other instruments welcome. Pitch: A=440.
3-4:30pm EDT - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Héloïse Degrugillier, recorder
How did Renaissance music, with its polyphony and its dances, evolve into the Baroque genre of the sonata? We will explore the chanson, the canzona, and the fugue and see how they were all a stepping stone to the birth of the sonata. Geared to: upper intermediate to advanced recorders, other instruments welcome. Pitch: A=440.
3-4:30pm EDT - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Sunday, January 30
Purcell, Purcell, Purcell!
Loren Ludwig, viol
Composed decades after consort music for viols had gone out of fashion, Purcell's distinctive and wonderful consort music was deeply grounded in tradition while offering new and spectacular musical vistas--an almost unbelievable feat for a composer still in his teens! Purcell's consort music has been recorded on viols since (at least) the 1950s, and his fantasias and In nomines for 3-7 viols are far and away the most widely recorded consort music. That's great for us!--Purcell's generous discography offers myriad 'ways in' to this challenging and rewarding music. Safely muted in their home music rooms, participants will play along with iconic (as well as some exciting but lesser-known) recordings of music in 3-7 parts by this "very great master of music." Entirely risk free, this is an opportunity to "double" some of the finest consort players of the last 70 years as they tackle some of the period's richest and most delightful music. Geared to: all levels and viol sizes welcome. Pitch: A=415.
1-2:30pm EDT - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Loren Ludwig, viol
Composed decades after consort music for viols had gone out of fashion, Purcell's distinctive and wonderful consort music was deeply grounded in tradition while offering new and spectacular musical vistas--an almost unbelievable feat for a composer still in his teens! Purcell's consort music has been recorded on viols since (at least) the 1950s, and his fantasias and In nomines for 3-7 viols are far and away the most widely recorded consort music. That's great for us!--Purcell's generous discography offers myriad 'ways in' to this challenging and rewarding music. Safely muted in their home music rooms, participants will play along with iconic (as well as some exciting but lesser-known) recordings of music in 3-7 parts by this "very great master of music." Entirely risk free, this is an opportunity to "double" some of the finest consort players of the last 70 years as they tackle some of the period's richest and most delightful music. Geared to: all levels and viol sizes welcome. Pitch: A=415.
1-2:30pm EDT - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
The Singer’s Toolbox: Don’t be a “Byrd”en - Leading Polyphony One Part at a Time
Geoffrey Williams, voice
Helpful hints and practical approaches to preparing a score for ensemble singing. Geoffrey Williams will guide participants as he prepares a a selection of William Byrd motets for small ensemble singing.
3-4:30pm EDT - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Geoffrey Williams, voice
Helpful hints and practical approaches to preparing a score for ensemble singing. Geoffrey Williams will guide participants as he prepares a a selection of William Byrd motets for small ensemble singing.
3-4:30pm EDT - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes