Göteborgs Konserthus Baroque Bonanza

Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra’s Baroque ensemble and choir take over the Main Hall for a full evening of baroque. Devotional music by Handel, swinging tunes by Corelli and C.P.E. Bach, and a resounding call for peace ring out in the Main Hall, led by choir director Katie Thomas and concertmaster Terje Skomedal. 

Handel was 22 years old when he composed his rock’n’roll opus, the popular oratorio Dixit Dominus. He already had three operas behind him, as well as several years as second violinist in the Hamburg Opera orchestra and many years of organ studies. He had been in Italy for six months and was introduced to Corelli. We also hear the Italian master this evening, in one of his dazzling Concerti Grossi. 

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, the most famous of Bach’s sons, was so popular that his customer wanted to keep his music to himself. None of the six symphonies that Baron Von Swieten commissioned went to print, but now we can enjoy the Symphony in B-flat major. C.P.E. Bach belongs to what is known as the “emotional” musical era following the Baroque period – an emotion often infused with dancing joy. 

Prior to that, the nun Maria Xaviera Peruchona’s rarely heard song for peace commands us: stop the drums, stop the battles! 

Listen

Get to know the music

Introduction to the concert

Take a seat in the Great Hall one hour before the concert begins and learn more about the music you will soon experience! You will get the stories behind the music, knowledge of the composers and own reflections about the classical pieces. The introduction last for about 30 minutes, it is free and free seating in the hall. Welcome!