“The Enchanting Baroque Organ Concert: Journey Through the Ages at the Tavricheskiy Palace”

On 16 September, the concert “Charming Baroque: Journey Through the Ages”, took place, featuring  masters of the baroque in dialogue with composers of the 20th century, through the captivating voices of the organ and oboe.

The musical journey began in the early Baroque period, with works by Bach’s older contemporaries Johann Pachelbel, Georg Böhm, and Dietrich Buxtehude, and ended three centuries later with a work by John Barbirolli, giving a new voice to the music of Pergolesi.

The domed hall of the Palace, is the home of the king of instruments and in 2021 the organ (created by leading Swiss makers), celebrates its tenth anniversary. with popular concert seasons open to the public. On stage tonight were the brilliant St Petersburg musicians Galina Elshaeva (organ) and Vasily Belyavin (oboe).

 

The programme of the evening was:
Part I
Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706) Prelude in D minor – Fugue in D minor – Chaconne in D minor
Jean Baptiste Loyer (1680-1730) Sonata in C Major for oboe and basso continuo (in four movements): I. Largo cantabile II. Allegro III. Largo espressivo IV. Allegro
Georg Böhm (1661-1733) Choral Prelude “Vater unser im Himmelreich” (Our Father)
Louis Marchand (1669-1732) Four fragments from the First Organ: Basse de Trompette – Tierce en taille – Fond d’orgue- Dialogue
Eugène Bozza (1905-1991) Aria (oboe and organ version)
II branch
Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707) Prelude and Fugue in G Minor Bux WV 163
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) Sonata for Oboe and Basso Continuo in C Minor op.1 No 8 HWV 366: Largo – Allegro – Adagio – Bourre anglois (Allegro)
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) Fantasia and Fugue in A Minor BWV 561
John Stanley (1712-1786) Volta in D Minor VI (op.5)
John Barbirolli (1899-1970) Concerto for Oboe and Orchestra in 4 parts (on the themes of Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, arranged for oboe and organ): I.Largo II. Allegro III. Andantino IV Allegro.

Galina Elshaeva writes:

“Last evening, along with oboist Vasily Belyavin, I had the pleasure of performing at a wonderful concert at the Tavrichesky (Tauride) Palace, St Petersburg. This exceptional event will “resound” in me for a long time to come. The Palace’s stunning organ was such a joy to play, adding to the magnificent acoustics and luxurious interiors. And the audience was equally wonderful – so responsive, attentive and appreciative of the works we performed. An audience who truly LISTENED! Such a precious gift!
I am so very grateful to everyone who attended the concert as well as to everyone who organized this event. A huge thanks to Ilya, who selflessly helped throughout this long evening. And, of course, special thanks to Vasily, a wonderful musician with whom it is a joy to play!”