Barefoot Chamber Concerts (“an enterprise noted for both its quality and informality” – San Francisco Classical Voice) presents really good music in the right acoustic and without the formality of most classical music events.
Barefoot’s May 5 concert features international stars Jérôme Hantaï (viola da gamba) and Lillian Gordis (harpsichord) with local (and international) legend Lynn Tetenbaum (viola da gamba) playing high baroque music by Johannes Schenck (Le Nymphe di Rheno), J.S. Bach, Marin Marais, Le Sieur de Saint Colombe, and Antoine Forqueray.
Jérôme Hantaï and Lillian Gordis are, of course, well known as a duo, and have performed together throughout North America and Europe since 2018; in this very special program, they are joined by Lynn Tetenbaum, who brings the conversation to a new level, and adds a unique Bay Area perspective. Their program brings together the best of the music from the height of the popularity of the viola da gamba, the late 17th and early 18th century in France, Holland, and Germany.
Schenck, Marais, Forqueray, and Ste. Colombe were, of course, all famous viola da gamba players, and wrote music that fits the instrument fabulously, but Bach, as usual, wrote universal music that, while perfectly adapted to the instrument it was designed for, can be played on any combination of instruments. His 3 (or 4) sonatas for harpsichord and viola da gamba are found in several arrangements for other instruments; and in the performance practice of the time, adapting pieces was as common as playing them on the instruments for which they were first intended.
In the lovely acoustic of the Parish Hall of St. Mary Magdalen, Berkeley, this gorgeous music will sound just perfect.
Masks are recommended, but not required. A variety of seating is available.