String Extravaganza: Rise of the Concerto Grosso

In this string program we first get a taste of the Concerto Grosso, which makes dramatic use of Baroque instrumental forces and contrasting textures. Its characteristic dialogue between instrumental groups of unequal sizes became so well loved that some composers still wrote in this form a century after its innovation.  Alessando Stradella’s Sinfonia Avanti il Damone opens the program. Stradella was a colorful and tawdry character who is credited with the first instrumental pieces that developed into the concerto grosso. The genre was popularized by Arcangelo Corelli’s powerful and far reaching influence in the second half of the seventeenth century. Through this program we explore beloved and lesser known gems from these foundational 17th century Italian composers, to 18th century expats living in England, and finally circle back to finish with a Antonio Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Violins in A minor, featuring IBO Leader Adriane Post and Principle Second Violinist Martie Perry. Join us for a full dose of string extravaganza!