Tallahassee Bach Parley: A Springtime Journal

Yes, we know it’s not springtime yet, but we can think ahead and enjoy two suites from the Journal du Printemps (Journal of Spring) by Johann Caspar Ferdinand Fischer. This all instrumental strings concert will also include a sonata for violin and viola by Georg Philipp Telemann, the sublime Sonata in D major for violin by Georg Muffat. To simultaneously celebrate the joy and abandon of the season of Carnival and mourn its passing into the more serious season of Lent we will play a Serenata by Johan Heinrich Schmeltzer.

Performed on period instruments, this all strings concert of 17th and 18th century music will feature Valerie Arsenault and Carrie Holden on baroque violins, Melissa Brewer and Brian Arsenault on baroque violas, plus cellist Kim Jones, bassist Melanie Punter, and harpsichordist Charles Brewer in the continuo section.

The French word “parley” means discussion, and a key element of Bach Parley concerts is the commentary provided by Arsenault who gives historical context about the composers and offers suggestions about what to listen for in the music. The Tallahassee Bach Parley is also the umbrella organization for a non- profit music school, The Bach Parley String Academy. In 2015, four teachers united to teach violin, viola, and cello at St. John’s Episcopal church, and now the String Academy has grown to six teachers, almost 100 students, and even offers ukulele classes.

The concert will be at 3PM on Sunday, January 27 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 211 North Monroe Street. At all Sunday Tallahassee Bach Parley concerts this season, patrons will receive an insert in their programs with a discount coupon to use after the concert at participating downtown area restaurants. A $10 donation is suggested, and free childcare will be offered.

For additional information about the Tallahassee Bach Parley, including the Bach Parley String Academy music school, visit www.bachparley.org.

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