Bach Triple Play

“Bach Triple Play” is the theme of the upcoming Bach Parley performances on February 10 and 11, both at 3:00 PM at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Music Director and violinist Valerie Arsenault will join Kim Jones on baroque cello, Eva Amsler on traverso, and Shalev Ad-El on harpsichord. The program includes three pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach, two by his second oldest son, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, and one by his youngest son, Johann Christian Bach.

The pieces by Bach and two of his sons will feature different combinations of musicians, ranging from a C. P. E. Bach duet for flute and violin to a full J. S. Bach trio sonata, which four musicians play. These three composers’ compositions have distinct characteristics, ranging from the sensitive, sentimental style (Empfindsamer Stil) of C. P. E. Bach to the light-hearted galant style of J. C. Bach.

The Bach Parley performs on period instruments – harpsichord, baroque style stringed instruments with gut strings, natural trumpet without valves or holes, and an early version of the flute made of wood and without keys called a traverso. The French word “parley” means discussion, so the commentary provided by Valerie Arsenault is an essential element of Bach Parley concerts. This commentary includes historical context about the composers and the period instruments and offers suggestions about what to listen for in the music, letting the audience into our process and why we love this music.

The Tallahassee Bach Parley is also the umbrella organization for a non-profit music school, The Bach Parley String Academy. It is now in its ninth year offering violin, viola, and cello lessons at St. John’s Episcopal church.

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