Wind in the Reeds

Length of the programme

35' + 35' = 70 min

Team : 15 musicians

  • Les Muffatti
  • Nicola Boud, Ernst Schlader

artistic direction

Les Muffatti

Contact

Les Muffatti

Adi Chesson
General Manager
+32 2 227 46 72
adi@lesmuffatti.be
www.lesmuffatti.be

Christoph GRAUPNER (1683-1760), Concerto for two chalumeaux (alto and bass), strings and basso continuo in C Major (GWV 303) • Overture for strings and basso continuo in e flat major (GWV 429)
Johann Friedrich FASCH (1688-1758), Concerto for soprano chalumeau, strings and basso continuo in B flat Major (FWB l:b1)
Georg Philipp TELEMANN (1681-1767), Concerto for two chalumeaux (alto and tenor), strings and basso continuo in d minor (TWV 52:d1) • Suite for strings and basso continuo in G major (“la bizarre”) (TWV 55:g2)

Despite their shared etymology (both are reeds), the shawm and the chalumeau are distinct instruments. the shawm is a member of the oboe family, whereas the chalumeau is a direct ancestor of the clarinet.

Although its range is limited, the chalumeau enjoyed great popularity between 1700 and 1740. Its fine timbre was appreciated by Rameau, Caldara, Steffani, Vivaldi, and many others, and it consequently featured in a large number of compositions until it was eventually replaced by the clarinet.

One of those who fell for the chalumeau was Christoph Graupner, whose name, sadly, is now much more familiar to musicologists than musi- cians or music lovers. Nevertheless, Graupner’s talent, the size of his oeuvre, and the reputation he enjoyed during his lifetime were all exceptional. His contemporaries Johann Friedrich Fasch and Georg Philipp Telemann were also entranced by the chalumeau’s velvety tone, and included it in a number of their works.

In cooperation with the internationally renowned clarinettist Nicola Boud, Les Muffatti have compiled a programme which will propel the chalumeau and those who composed for it back from semi-obscurity into the limelight. The programme is designed to portray a true family likeness, featuring works for soprano, alto, tenor and bass chalumeaux.