In the intricate weave of sounds that make up a baroque ensemble, the lute is central. It’s fitting, then, that French-American lutenist Thomas Dunford is at the centre of some of the most exciting early music-making of the moment.
Thomas Dunford shares the stage with multi-award-winning cellist Nicolas Altstaedt. Since Altstaedt first performed for Musica Viva Australia in 2015, his star has continued to soar, as soloist, as conductor and as artistic catalyst to festivals and ensembles worldwide. It is a precious treat to hear him in recital.
What will these two originals create when they step on stage together? Anything could happen. But you can expect to be delighted by the genial invention of Louis XIV favourite Marais, dazzled by the virtuosic riffs of his rival Forqueray, and consoled by Bach’s Cello Suites Nos. 1 and 5. Expect the unexpected too, as they perform music closer to our time by Henri Duparc, Arvo Pärt and more.
‘Thomas is one of the best of the young generation – I’d almost be ready to call him a genius.’ – Willliam Christie of Les Arts Florissants
‘Altstaedt has technique to burn, near perfect intonation, superb control of extreme registers and harmonics, and is physically at ease with his instrument `... one hung on every note as if they were the words of a master storyteller.’ – The Australian
Artists
NICOLAS ALTSTAEDT cello
THOMAS DUNFORD lute
Program
MARAIS La Rêveuse
FORQUERAY La Leclair
JS BACH Cello Suite No. 1 in G major, BWV 1007 (excerpts)
FORQUERAY Fêtes champêtres
MARAIS Le Badinage
MARAIS Les Folies d'Espagne
JS BACH Cello Suite No. 5 in C minor, BWV 1011 (excerpts)
PÄRT Spiegel im Spiegel
DUPARC Cello Sonata in A minor: Lento
FORQUERAY La Buisson
MARAIS Les Voix Humaines
MARAIS Grand Ballet
MARAIS Le Tourbillon
Special thanks to Ensemble Patrons Bruce & Charmaine Cameron for their generous support of this tour.