The Power of Three, the theme of our Nov. 12 Bach Parley concert, explores the expressive possibility of music for 3 violins and continuo. The performers are Valerie Arsenault, Miriam Barfield, and Brian Arsenault on baroque violins, Kim Jones on baroque cello, and guest artist Webb Wiggins on harpsichord.

The program will begin with Henry Purcell’s Three Parts Upon a Ground, followed by a set of pieces by lesser-known Italian composers from the early 1600s, Fontana, Uccellini, Bounamente, Merula, and Marini.

The first three pieces by Fontana, Uccellini, and Bounamente are some of the earliest published compositions for violin and are surprisingly dramatic. Webb Wiggins will play two lively capriccios for solo harpsichord by Merula. In the the Marini piece, Sonata in echo for three violins, the three violinists will play from different corners inside St. John’s to accentuate the echo effect.

We leave Italy to perform the poignant Sonata for 3 violins by Schmeltzer, and then the concert will finish up with the most famous (or infamous) piece for 3 violins and continuo, the Pachelbel Canon and Gigue.

By using period instruments and performing styles, we will play the ubiquitous Pachelbel Canon in a way that sounds new.

More info at www.tallahasseebachparley.org.

This program sponsored in part by the City of Tallahassee/Leon County/Council on Culture & Arts (COCA) and the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.