Academy of Ancient Music

Vivaldi Concerto in D major for violin, two oboes, and two horns (c.1711)
JF Fasch Concerto in D minor for lute (date unknown)
Pisendel Concerto Grosso No.1 in E flat major (c.1730)
Vivaldi Concerto in B minor for four violins Op.3 No.10 ‘L’Estro Armonico’ (1711)
Veracini Ouverture No. 5 in B flat major (c.1717)
JS Bach Concerto in D major for three violins (c.1730)
Vivaldi Concerto in F major for violin, two oboes, two horns and bassoon (c.1711)

Richard Tognetti, director & violin

Dresden’s court orchestra in the eighteenth century was renowned as the finest in the world, inspiring composers from across Europe with its outstanding ability and unique sound. Violinist Richard Tognetti, director of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, makes his AAM debut in a concert celebrating the musical culture surrounding this remarkable group. Antonio Vivaldi, already known for his violin works, used the Dresden musicians to explore new orchestral colours, combining winds and strings in ground-breaking ways. As well as dedicating concertos ‘per l’orchestra di Dresda’, the group inspired his most popular works – the spirited ‘L’Estro Armonico’ (‘harmonic inspiration’). JS Bach, a few miles away in Leipzig, turned his hand to writing for multiple solo instruments after hearing these concertos. The group also attracted the finest players of the day, and violinists Veracini and Pisendel proved their worthiness to lead the orchestra by composing and performing concertos and overtures.

Free AAM Explore pre-concert talk at 6.30pm with Richard Tognetti, hosted by Sara Mohr-Pietsch (BBC Radio 3).

TICKETS £14 – £27 (£3 for AAMplify members) available from Cambridge Corn Exchange. Box office tel: 01223 357851; email: boxoffice@cambridge.gov.uk; online: cornex.co.uk/boxoffice or from aam.co.uk/Cambridge