The twilight ambience of the venue fitted the mood and character of the recital and excellent clarity of sound and movement was enjoyed by a small but appreciative audience.
Baroque music, particularly secular forms traditionally adhered to the metre and character of various dances of the time, and the programme was enhanced by dancing from international Baroque period dance specialist Mareike Greb (Germany). Authentic 17th century costuming added to the performance and her elegance and graceful routines were delightful. She also compered the recital.
A Telemann Overture in A Minor opened the programme followed by his trio sonata Les Corelizantes No. 6. Next was a Corelli trio sonata (D Minor Op.4 No. 8) , highlighted by the dancer’s Italian/Spanish interpretation of Court political inference and romantic innuendos. Very precise moves, slow and sensuous or cautiously frivolous, but proudly elegant at all times.
Vivaldi’s Double Concerto in A Minor RV522 with its forward-moving energised passages was a highlight, as was a harpsichord concerto by Domenico Paradies, when nimble fingers launched endless sequential chains with virtuosic keyboard flair.
A short dance piece depicting a drunken female sailor La Matelotte by Marin Marais was amusingly illustrated by exaggerated inebriated footwork. The final work of 14 short movements was a virtual compendium of Baroque dance.
The quartet comprised Edita Keglerova (harpsichord), Szabolcs Illes and Jonathan Tanner (Baroque violins) and Tomas Hurnik (Baroque cello).
The Beautiful World of Baroque Music and Dance
St Paul’s Cathedral, Thursday, February 15
