This preview has been provided by Baroque and Beyond.
When Michel Pignolet de Montéclair published his second volume of chamber cantatas in 1716, it included Pan & Syrinx. The work is based on the mythological tale of the chaste huntress Syrinx, the Greek satyr Pan who pursues her, and what happens when her pleas for help are fulfilled and she is turned into a river reed. The work is filled with beautiful music for all the key characters, culminating with an Air in praise of love.
New York soprano Molly Quinn, a native of Chapel Hill, returns to perform the title role with Baroque & Beyond on Sunday, January 25, at 3:00 pm at Chapel of the Cross in Chapel Hill. She will be joined by an instrumental ensemble with Gesa Kordes baroque violin; Rebecca Troxler, baroque flute; Gail Ann Schroeder, viola da gamba; and Beverly Biggs, harpsichord. Biggs is artistic director of the Baroque & Beyond concert series.
Molly Quinn’s career is impressive, garnering critical praise from the media. She works regularly with New York-based TENET and the Trinity Wall Street Choir, and has toured extensively in the United States and abroad. For details, visit www.mollyquinn.com.
The entire program focuses on music of the French baroque. Opening with La Sonnerie by Marin Marais, the instrumental ensemble will be joined by Salome Sandoval, archlute. This work – the complete title is Sonnerie de Sainte-Geneviève du Mont de Paris – “The Bells of St. Genevieve” in English – was written in 1723 for viol (gamba), violin, and basso continuo. It is a chaconne with a repeating bass line. This is one of the most famous works of Marais, and explores the various techniques of the viol, an instrument that Marais studied with Monsieur de Sainte-Colombe.
Another of his most famous works is La Follia, a tour-de-force set of variations for viola da gamba, which concludes the first half of the program. In between these two works is a delightful Trio Sonata by Leclair.
The concert takes place in the sanctuary at Chapel of the Cross, 304 East Franklin Street in Chapel Hill. Tickets ($20) are available in advance from Preservation Chapel Hill and at the door the day of the concert.
