- See also our MSB IN FOCUS page for smaller scale projects
The Madrigal Reimagined
A celebration of the creativity and virtuosity inspired by the Italian madrigal, illuminated by contemporary readings
'Does this not seem to you like the description, not of a voice, but a sweet pastry?'
- Emanuele Tesauro (1592–1675)
In The Madrigal Reimagined, we explore the blossoming and transformation of the Italian madrigal as reflected in diverse settings from solo voice and lute to a full string band, with or without voice, to explore every facet of the madrigal’s transformative journey from gentle part song to one of the dramatic cornerstones of opera. Monteverdi’s powerfully poignant settings nestle with virtuosic ornamental reworkings of older madrigals, instrumental preludes and canzonas to create miniature scenes, framed by short, topical readings from the worlds of music, dance and theatre.
A celebration of the creativity and virtuosity inspired by the Italian madrigal, illuminated by contemporary readings
'Does this not seem to you like the description, not of a voice, but a sweet pastry?'
- Emanuele Tesauro (1592–1675)
- 7 performers: 5 strings with guest artists Hannah Ely (soprano) and Toby Carr (lute)
- Composers including de Rore, Palestrina, Bovicelli, Monteverdi and Caccini
In The Madrigal Reimagined, we explore the blossoming and transformation of the Italian madrigal as reflected in diverse settings from solo voice and lute to a full string band, with or without voice, to explore every facet of the madrigal’s transformative journey from gentle part song to one of the dramatic cornerstones of opera. Monteverdi’s powerfully poignant settings nestle with virtuosic ornamental reworkings of older madrigals, instrumental preludes and canzonas to create miniature scenes, framed by short, topical readings from the worlds of music, dance and theatre.
All Kinds of Rare Inventions
A musical and literary journey through seventeenth-century Dresden
'Some fiddled on horses' skulls as on the finest violins'
- Hans Jakob Christoffel von Grimmelshausen (1621–1676)
In 1625, the Italian composer and violinist Carlo Farina was appointed leader of the court orchestra in Dresden, where he published the majority of his musical output. A curious collection from 1627 promises allerhand seltsame Inventionen – all kinds of rare inventions; amongst an intriguing array dances and arias we find an 'amusing quodlibet' in which string techniques are adapted to the farmyard. A great spirit of invention shone forth in Saxony during this turbulent century, ravaged by war, plague, and famine. The musical highlights are punctuated by readings from some of the earliest German fiction, contemporary city chronicles, medical advice of questionable value, and musical commentary and instruction which has rather better survived the test of time!
A musical and literary journey through seventeenth-century Dresden
'Some fiddled on horses' skulls as on the finest violins'
- Hans Jakob Christoffel von Grimmelshausen (1621–1676)
- 6-7 performers: 5 strings and continuo
- Composers including Schein, Farina, Schütz, Westhoff and Furchheim
In 1625, the Italian composer and violinist Carlo Farina was appointed leader of the court orchestra in Dresden, where he published the majority of his musical output. A curious collection from 1627 promises allerhand seltsame Inventionen – all kinds of rare inventions; amongst an intriguing array dances and arias we find an 'amusing quodlibet' in which string techniques are adapted to the farmyard. A great spirit of invention shone forth in Saxony during this turbulent century, ravaged by war, plague, and famine. The musical highlights are punctuated by readings from some of the earliest German fiction, contemporary city chronicles, medical advice of questionable value, and musical commentary and instruction which has rather better survived the test of time!
Meraviglia e Diletto ('Wonder and delight')
'If you do not know how to astonish, you would be better off grooming horses'
- Giambattista Marino (1569–1625)
The seventeenth century in Italy was one of extravagance and experiment: a taste for drama and opulence was to be seen in every art form, from the striking canvasses of the Caravaggists to the linguistic indulgences of Marino’s poetry. Artists in every genre aimed to elicit wonder and delight in their viewers, readers and listeners. In this sparkling and varied programme of string chamber music spanning this fascinating century, we offer present joyful canzonas, dramatic sonatas, exquisite ornamentation and luxurious harmony in a musical journey through one of the richest periods in Italian cultural history.
'The Monteverdi String Band are a wonderful example of a group of talented, passionate musicians who all seem to relish putting their virtuosity on display, but who also clearly enjoy playing as a tight, beautifully-balanced ensemble.'
Leamington Observer, January 2022
'If you do not know how to astonish, you would be better off grooming horses'
- Giambattista Marino (1569–1625)
- 5 performers: 4 strings & lute/theorbo
- Composers including Castello, Marini, Cazzati, Rosenmüller and Legrenzi
The seventeenth century in Italy was one of extravagance and experiment: a taste for drama and opulence was to be seen in every art form, from the striking canvasses of the Caravaggists to the linguistic indulgences of Marino’s poetry. Artists in every genre aimed to elicit wonder and delight in their viewers, readers and listeners. In this sparkling and varied programme of string chamber music spanning this fascinating century, we offer present joyful canzonas, dramatic sonatas, exquisite ornamentation and luxurious harmony in a musical journey through one of the richest periods in Italian cultural history.
'The Monteverdi String Band are a wonderful example of a group of talented, passionate musicians who all seem to relish putting their virtuosity on display, but who also clearly enjoy playing as a tight, beautifully-balanced ensemble.'
Leamington Observer, January 2022
Galileo
'And yet it does move'
- Galileo Galilei (1564–1642)
To accompany a script by Clare Norburn, MSB join forces with the Marian Consort and director Nicholas Renton to present a unique theatrical piece in which Galileo, near death, reflects on the significant moments in his life and work, framed with music he would have known as performer (he was a talented lutenist) or listener. Galileo's scientific genius needs no introduction: in this work we also draw on his literary and musical interests to gain insight into the great man's mind. The work was premiered at the Brighton Early Music Festival in October 2016, and revived for Baroque at the Edge in January 2020.
Clare Norburn and Oliver Webber introduce the concept here.
'And yet it does move'
- Galileo Galilei (1564–1642)
- 15 performers: actor, director, 6 strings, 6 voices, continuo
- Composers including Monteverdi, Vincenzo Galilei, Lasso, Cavaliere and Francesca Caccini
To accompany a script by Clare Norburn, MSB join forces with the Marian Consort and director Nicholas Renton to present a unique theatrical piece in which Galileo, near death, reflects on the significant moments in his life and work, framed with music he would have known as performer (he was a talented lutenist) or listener. Galileo's scientific genius needs no introduction: in this work we also draw on his literary and musical interests to gain insight into the great man's mind. The work was premiered at the Brighton Early Music Festival in October 2016, and revived for Baroque at the Edge in January 2020.
Clare Norburn and Oliver Webber introduce the concept here.
War of Words
An evening of poetry, song and swordsmanship at the house of a Venetian nobleman
In this reimagining of a 17th century theatrical production, MSB collaborates with stage director Karolina Sofulak to revisit the memorable Venetian Carnival evening in 1624 at the Palazzo Mocenigo, where Monteverdi's virtuosic hybrid of madrigal and opera was first performed, moving the audience to tears.
The evening begins with a selection of madrigals and instrumental items, punctuated with topical readings of contemporary poetry; the Combattimento performers then appear suddenly (as Monteverdi instructs us) and the theatrical part of the evening begins...
This programme is also available as a concert performance.
An evening of poetry, song and swordsmanship at the house of a Venetian nobleman
- 11 performers: 6 instrumentalists, 3 singers, stage director, lighting designer
- Music by Monteverdi, readings from Tasso and contemporary authors on musical style and the merits of swordsmanship
In this reimagining of a 17th century theatrical production, MSB collaborates with stage director Karolina Sofulak to revisit the memorable Venetian Carnival evening in 1624 at the Palazzo Mocenigo, where Monteverdi's virtuosic hybrid of madrigal and opera was first performed, moving the audience to tears.
The evening begins with a selection of madrigals and instrumental items, punctuated with topical readings of contemporary poetry; the Combattimento performers then appear suddenly (as Monteverdi instructs us) and the theatrical part of the evening begins...
This programme is also available as a concert performance.
The Madrigal Transformed
An exploration of some of Monteverdi's most innovative madrigals, interspersed with virtuoso
diminutions and contemporary readings from the literary, scientific and cultural elite.
'Although the melody was pleasant enough, as Your Lordship will see, it also made use of new rules, ornaments and phrases, and these were harsh and unpleasing to the ear'
- Giovanni Maria Artusi, (1540–1613)
Running order, programme notes, readings & translations
This programme explores Monteverdi's growing use of the "seconda prattica" which goes so far beyond mere word-painting (and is therefore ideally suited to the "soave arcata" of the string band), and the improvisational brilliance of his contemporaries who took older madrigals and chansons and wove intricate webs of virtuosity around their simpler charms.
'Loved the combination of music with interesting quotes from this period ... a very enjoyable and enlightening concert'
Audience feedback, Edinburgh, November 2023
Here's a moment from the first performance in Sardinia, 2014:
'Loved the combination of music with interesting quotes from this period ... a very enjoyable and enlightening concert'
Audience feedback, Edinburgh, November 2023
Here's a moment from the first performance in Sardinia, 2014: