A new series of fortnightly, lunchtime recitals for the 2013/2014 season were recently launched at St Paul’s Anglican pro-Cathedral, Valletta.

Sponsored by Ian Lochhead, the concert featured Camarata Galatea in works by northern European baroque composers.

What was so interesting was that the instruments (flute, violin and bassoon) were either copies modelled on period instruments, or simply authentic period ones.

The first work was a Trio Sonata in G Minor in two movements by Roman. Elegantly light and breezy, this work was followed by Handel’s Trio Sonata in B Flat, in which the oboe was the leader, with the other instruments adding a touch of colour and the bassoon holding the bass line.

The instruments were either copies modelled on period instruments, or simply authentic period ones

The opening adagio was followed by two allegro movements, the latter still maintaining a certain difference of character.

In Telemann’s Sonatina in E Minor, its two slow movements stood out well in comparison with the much faster vivace movements. The grave was very short, barely a minute and bridged the latter two movements which, despite the virtuoso writing and speed, remained very articulate. The recital ended with dances from the Court of Louis XIV: a Menuet et Rondeau by Krieger and Gigue et Air by Pez, performed with the expected elegance and verve.

Apart from listening to these delightful works, John McDonough, whose baroque oboe is a copy of the Stansby oboe used by Bach, explained very simply but effectively the difference between baroque and modern oboes. Fiona Giambra’s is an authentic Italian instrument dating back to 1751. As it was then, the bow is different, longer and more arched than the modern violin bow and the instrument has no chin rest. Giacomo Cella’s bassoon is a copy of a French instrument from 1740.

Sally Jackson, who eventually joined the trio as a second bassoon, explained the relative differences between modern and baroque bassoons like the one she played, an instrument after a German model from 1710.

The next lunchtime concert will feature the Animae String Quartet in a number of Spanish works, performing on Thursday at 1pm. Entrance is free, but donations in aid of the Anglican Cathedral are welcomed.

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