Presented by Dunedin’s David Burchell (harpsichord) and Auckland-based viol specialist Polly Sussex the concert was a rare and special opportunity to hear works by little known composers played on authentic instruments.
The performance included works that featured three different types of French viol — the violin-like treble viol, pardessus viol, as well as the cello-like seven-stringed bass viol, with the harpsichord providing the "continuo" elements.
Louis Heudelinne’s Premiere Suite No.1 was an interesting introduction to the treble viol sound in a series of dance-like movements, in which Burchell and Sussex showed strong understanding and musicality.
Jean Baptiste Barriere’s Sonate V in B flat major, featuring the high and delicate pardessus viol was a jaunty and enjoyable work, with lively back and forth between performers.
Antoine Forqueray’s Premiere Suite in D minor, Marin Marais’ Tombeau pour Monsieur de Lully, and Charles Dolle’s Troisieme Suite, all featured the bass viol with harpsichord continuo accompaniment.
In all of these works, the skill of Sussex was put to the test by the difficulties presented by the seven-string bass viol, a challenge she rose to admirably, with sterling support from Burchell.
Two lively, fast-moving solo harpsichord works — Barriere’s Sonata IV in G major and Francis Couperin’s Dixseptieme Ordre gave Burchell a chance to showcase his extraordinary skill, as well as the range of sounds that can be drawn from the instrument.
At halftime, audience members flocked to take a closer look at the various instruments and learn about the unusual techniques involved in playing them.
All in all "An evening at Versailles" was an entertaining and illuminating musical experience for lovers of Baroque music.
