One of my favourite pieces to play with a small ensemble is Arcangelo Corelli’s Christmas Concerto (Op. 6 no. 8). Composed around 1690, for performance on Christmas Eve, it’s a concerto grosso, a form in which a group of soloists known as the ‘concertino’ play in contrast with the full ensemble, the ‘ripieno’, in alternating sections. The last movement is a ‘pastorale’, a lilting melody with a simple bass line, which was composed as a sort of musical Nativity scene with shepherds. It references a Christmas tradition of the time, in Italy, where shepherds came into towns playing their various pipes (piffero and zambogna), instruments with drones. For me, this final movement exudes a peaceful calm and the fast movements seem full of joyous optimism. I am happy to listen to this at any time of year, not just at Christmas.
On the Eighth Day of Christmas
Happy New Year! Are you a fan or do you avoid the annual New Year Concert from the Vienna Philharmonic? Their performance of lively music, including famous waltzes by Johann Strauss is adored by audiences around the world. It’s not my cup of tea but I can see the attraction (!) in this moment from ‘The Sound of Music’ where Maria and Captain von Trapp dance a traditional Austrian ländler. Originally a folk dance, from the late 18th century, the ländler became more refined as it was adopted in the popular dance halls of 19th century Europe. In the context of the film and the era in which it is set, I find the music quite poignant: the chandeliers, the glamorous gowns, the couples dancing in the background. And (plot spoiler alert) the looming threat to Austria’s autonomy makes its traditional culture seem all the more precious.
On the Seventh Day of Christmas
Celebrating Auld Year’s Night or Hogmanay with a gathering of family and friends has long been a Scottish tradition. So, for what is also the seventh day of Christmas, I’ve chosen music from Scotland. It’s from the tradition of puirt à beul or mouth music, a form of song which sets Gaelic lyrics to instrumental dance tunes. It was originally a way of providing music for dancing when no instruments were available. These songs feature a strong rhythm and tongue twister like lyrics. Here’s Hug Air a’ Bhonaid Mhoir performed by the wonderful Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis. You can also hear Julie Fowlis presenting ‘Inside Music‘ on BBC Radio 3 tomorrow at 1pm.
Liv's Music World 