GATTI, VIVALDI & J.S.BACH

A HAUSMUSIK CONCERT AT LEARY FARM, BELLAWONGARAH

SUNDAY 20 JULY 2025 3PM  

FEATURING:

Diana Doherty, Oboe

Fiona McNamara, Bassoon

Alexandre Oguey, Cor Anglais

Sophie Cole, Violin

Rosemary Curtin, Viola

Fenella Gill, Cello

David Campbell, Double Bass

Luigi Gatti (1740–1817)

Sextet in E-flat Major

Luigi Gatti, though not widely known today, was an accomplished composer active during the Classical period, had been ordained as a priest in Mantua, and served in various ecclesiastical and court appointments. In the 1780s he became Hofkapellmeister in Salzburg and Leopold Mozart showed his irritation at not receiving the appointment himself.TheSextet in E-flat Major is a charming chamber work that embodies the elegance and grace of the Classical style. Composed for a combination of winds and strings, the sextet artfully weaves together the distinct voices of its instruments, creating a delightful conversational atmosphere. The structure typically includes multiple movements, beginning with a spirited opening that captures the listener's attention. Gatti's writing is characterized by lyrical melodies, playful interactions, and memorable harmonic progressions, all while maintaining a sense of balance and cohesion. The Sextet is a true testament to Gatti's skill in blending ensemble textures and crafting engaging musical dialogues, inviting audiences into a world of refined classical beauty.

Antonio Vivaldi (1678–1741)

Concerto in C Major for Oboe and Strings, RV 447

Vivaldi's Concerto in C Major, RV 447 is one of more than 40 oboe concertos he composed, a testament to the instrument’s growing popularity in the early 18th century. This work showcases the lyrical potential of the oboe, highlighting its expressive capabilities alongside the vibrant texture of the accompanying strings. Composed during the Baroque period, the concerto is characterised by its lively rhythms, bold harmonic contrasts, and the signature virtuosic passages typical of Vivaldi's style of combining virtuosity with elegance. 

The piece comprises three movements: the spirited Allegro with rhythmic energy and sparkling passagework, a reflective Largo providing a contrast with its lyrical, aria- like lines allowing the oboe's expressive voice to shine and ending with a lively Allegro that brings the concerto to a joyous conclusion. The interplay between the oboe and strings enhances the emotional depth of the music, allowing the soloist to shine while engaging in dialogue with the other players.

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)

Concerto for Oboe d’Amore in D Major, 

BWV 1053 (Reconstruction)

Though this concerto survives only in its later adaptation for harpsichord, scholars widely believe it was originally written for the oboe d’amore—a slightly lower-pitched cousin of the oboe, prized for its warm and mellow tone. Reconstructed from Bach’s harpsichord concerto and cantata movements, the Concerto in D Major is a quintessential example of his mastery of form and counterpoint. The oboe d’amore takes center stage in this work, which is structured in the traditional three-movement form: an exuberant Allegro, a poignant Adagio, and a lively Allegro. The concerto is notable for its rich orchestration, featuring strings and continuo, which provide a lush harmonic backdrop that complements the oboe's melodic lines. Bach’s intricate interplay of themes and motifs showcases his profound understanding of instrumental colour and texture, resulting in a work that is both engaging and profoundly moving.