Come, look, listen, and ask.
A special feature of our concerts is the opportunity to hear this music on historical instruments. Barbara performs on original Asa Hopkins flutes, made in Litchfield, CT circa 1830 and on a European “Romantic” flute. Judy plays a parlor guitar from the 1800s by Martin as well as a modern reproduction of a Panormo guitar. Comments and stories about the instruments, composers and music create an interesting framework for the music.
HOME, SWEET HOME What did people do for amusement in the days before TV, CD players, and smart phones? They played music at home, and flute and guitar was a very popular combination! Come hear this all-new concert of songs, dances, romantic music, and theme with variations. Lovely, catchy tunes and virtuosic variations will leave you wanting more. We’ll be playing on 19th century period instruments–wood flute and 19th century guitar. Join the fun!
OLD WORLD ~ NEW WORLD This concert contrasts 19th century music from each side of the Atlantic: classical European pieces versus popular American music, dances from the gold mining towns of the American West and our country’s first “classical” composers. Come hear how different the music scene was on both sides of the pond!
ROMANTIC FANTASIES ~ Love Songs & Romantic Music for Flute & Guitar Barbara and Judy recreate the sounds of Romantic music from the 19th century on historical instruments. Enjoy familiar songs like Beautiful Dreamer, Home Sweet Home and Flow Gently Sweet Afton as well as pieces by well-known European Romantic composers.
MUSIC FROM MONTICELLO Thomas Jefferson was an accomplished violinist and his wife Martha played guitar and harpsichord. Music was an important part of their life together at Monticello. Rosewood Chamber Ensemble will perform pieces from Jefferson’s personal collection as well as other music from his era. The program reflects Jefferson’s wide ranging musical tastes and includes a Baroque sonata, opera arias, songs by Francis Hopkinson, a popular march, Irish and Scottish music as well as Jefferson’s campaign song.
MELODIES OF MARK TWAIN
Mark Twain was passionate about music. We follow his life and musical interests from his early days in the South to his final days in Connecticut. He was drawn to spirituals that he heard as a boy, loved Scottish and Irish songs, enjoyed popular music of his day and later came to appreciate some of the classical composers of the Romantic era. Judy will be playing a Martin parlor guitar that is the same make and model that Mark Twain owned and played.
THE MUSICAL WORLD OF JOHN QUINCY ADAMS
We embark on a musical journey through the life and times of our sixth President, noted diplomat, theater and opera devotee, and flute player John Quincy Adams. Come hear music from his travels in Paris, London, Berlin, and the United States, including dances and popular music from his personal favorite operas. A unique treat is a performance of Adams’ personal flute music from his student days at Harvard University.