For its season finale, Music at St. Paul’s presents Sonare (James Andrews and Marie-Élise McNeeley, violins; Eric Smith, cello; and Lenora McCroskey, organ) performing “The Glories of 17th C Italian Music.”
The North Texas-based early music ensemble performs a selection of virtuoso works for two violins, cello and organ created by Italian composer/performers who lived between 1600 and 1740, including Corelli, Frescobaldi, Marini, Stradella, Uccellini, and Vivaldi, among others.
The concert takes place on Sunday at 4 p.m., at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 305 W. Seventh at Pine Street in Chattanooga. Tickets are $15 at the door; $5 for students.
For reservations and more information, contact Music at St. Paul’s at 423-266-8195 or visit their website at www.stpaulschatt.org.
Lenora McCroskey said, “This program expresses the ‘Glories of 17th C Italian Music’ because these works for small ensembles contain a wealth of invention and variety in texture, harmony, rhythm, and melody, a well as displays of dazzling virtuosity. At the beginning of the century one sees the rise of virtuoso solo instrumental music as well as the continuation of dances and multi-sectional pieces from the 16th century. Later developments include abstract pieces such as sonatas with longer unified movements. The music performed on this program spans 150 years so the audience will experience the development of instrumental music in the Italian Baroque as well as the creative genius of the familiar and lesser known composers of this era.”
"The members of Sonare came together in response to a shared love for the expressive and exciting musical repertoire of the 17th century. All four musicians enjoy exploring the history of their instruments, the music and the culture in which it was created," officials said.