AAM: Glories of Venice

The Academy of Ancient Music returns to a revolutionary period of Italian music with the Second Book of Sonatas by Venetian man of mystery Dario Castello. Working at the same time as Claudio Monteverdi, Dario Castello wrote innovative and ground-breaking sonatas that had a profound effect on generations of Italian composers. But next to Monteverdi, Castello enjoys a more modest reputation. Indeed, there is some question around whether he existed at all or whether the name is an anagram of that of the real composer of his music.

AAM Music Director Richard Egarr is a lifelong advocate of Castello, and following his critically acclaimed performances and recording of the First Book of Sonatas in 2016, he directs members of AAM in this Second Book of fiercely virtuosic, adventurous and expressive sonatas that are full of imagination and colour. Interspersed throughout the programme are a number of glittering works by Monteverdi and Barbara Strozzi (a composer featured in AAM’s ongoing From Her Pen project), with soprano Lucie Chartin joining Egarr and the ensemble onstage.

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Gather in the West Road foyer before the concert and at the interval for an exceptional wine tasting event hosted in partnership with Bat & Bottle wine specialists, indulging in red, white and sparkling wines from the regions surrounding Venice. From Rossanel (on the verge of extinction) to Erbaluce di Caluso (perhaps Piemonte’s finest white varietal) via Cividin, Schioppettino and more, this promises an evening of musical and vineous discovery — your concert tickets can be upgraded to include the wine tasting at checkout.

Castello Sonata 5 a2

Castello Sonata 6 a2

Castello Sonata 7 a2

Castello Sonata 8 a2

Castello Sonata 9 a3

Castello Sonata 12 a3

Castello Sonata 13 a4

Castello Sonata 14 a4

Monteverdi Lamento d'Arianna & et è pur dunque vero

Monteverdi Et è pur dunque vero

Monteverdi Si dolce è’l tormento

Strozzi Che si può fare

Strozzi Lagrime miei

Lucie Chartin Soprano

Richard Egarr Director/ Harpsichord & Organ

Academy of Ancient Music