Baroque Violin Concertos and Arias
Monday, June 16, 2008 ~ 7:30 PM
First United Methodist Church
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VBF Chamber Artists
Stephen Redfield, Karen Clarke, Bruce Colson, Susan Doering, violin;
Melissa Givens, soprano; Michael Shaw, trumpet

BACH Concerto in E major for violin, strings, and continuo
HANDEL "Eternal Source of Light Divine"
BACH Concerto in A minor for violin, strings, and continuo
BACH "Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen"
VIVALDI Concerto in B minor for four violins and cello, strings and continuo

While J.S. Bach is perhaps better remembered for his skill on the organ, his first instrument was the violin. The E major and A minor concertos for violin reveal Bach's great admiration for the instrument, and for the work of Antonio Vivaldi.

Vivaldi's Concerto for four violins in B minor builds its dramatic power through the relentless back and forth of the contrasting voices. Bach was so impressed with this concerto that he later transcribed it for four harpsichords.

Arias by Bach and Handel, performed by soprano Melissa Givens, provide a compelling contrast of drama and grace.