TIP YOUR HATS: ENGLISH MUSIC BETWEEN PURCELL AND HANDEL

Duo Agion
Semion Gurevich Violin
Agnieszka Skorupa Harpsichord

Hard to imagine today: there were times when English music was not even that sexy. In the 18th century, the tone was initially set by the French under Louis XIV, pompous and elegant, before composers from Italy conquered the hearts of Europe with their sensual virtuosity. Purcell as well as Handel were inspiring, as they mastered both musical languages, and furthermore infused each of their works with individual expression. Purcell, for example, was able to combine French noblesse with folksong-like simplicity, Handel on the other hand merged southern temperament with German erudition. The Duo Agion now perfectly spans this scope on the strings. Baroque violinist Semion Gurevich and harpsichordist Agnieszka Skorupa won the göttingen händel competition last year. Delicate agility harmonizes here with emotional depth – even a “picky” audience back in the 1700s would tip their hats!

Works by Henry Purcell, Francesco Saverio Geminiani, Georg Friedrich Händel, William Croft, Semion Gurevich, Duo Agion

Post-concert nightcap: Meet the Artist over a glass of wine.