Italian Legacies: Geminiani and his English Contemporaries

Swinging London meets Italian flair, 18th century style. AAM presents Georgian England in the company of Arne, Boyce, Geminiani and Bach. But not the Bach you’re expecting…

The music scene in 18th century Britain was a place where everything was up for grabs. A nation was remaking its identity – embracing global fashions and diverse cultures, and locked in passionate debate about its relationship with Europe. English composers wrote Italian operas, the spirit of Shakespeare met the inspiration of Corelli and Vivaldi, and Bach’s youngest son carved out a musical niche that was entirely his own.

It's a gloriously colourful world – both familiar and surprising – and for this performance, AAM dives into a musical melting pot. Linley and Boyce give classic literature a magical makeover, Geminiani brings a taste of the hottest Italian fashions, and there’s a whole mini-opera from JC Bach, the so-called ‘English Bach’, who lived in London and is buried at St Pancras. Mozart was a fan, and you’re about to hear why.

This performance will finish at approximately 9.30pm, including a 20-minute interval

Promoted by Academy of Ancient Music

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Pre-concert Talk

6.30pm, Milton Court

Free

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