J.S. Bach's Viola da Gamba Sonatas: Lynn Tetenbaum, Katherine Heater November 18, 2011

Barefoot Chamber Concerts continues its mission to help you start the weekend right. The series ("an enterprise noted for both its quality and informality" - San Francisco Classical Voice) presents really good music in the right acoustic and without the formality of most classical music events. Our concerts start at 6 on Fridays and last no more than 75 minutes. Kids are very welcome if quiet, and admission under 18 is free. Light refreshments are available before, during, and after the concert. There will be ample time to move on to other evening entertainments.

A viol-centric series, we are very happy to be able to present Bay Area virtuose Lynn Tetenbaum, viola da gamba, and Katherine Heater, harpsichord, playing the 3 great sonatas by J. S. Bach for viol and harpsichord.

These pieces are unique in many ways as is so much of Bach's work. They range from lyrical melodic invention to sparkling virtuoso counterpoint, and all are entirely different. Before Bach, there was a tradition of pieces for viola da gamba and continuo in Germany, but no precedent in the repertoire for obligato sonatas with harpsichord. Like all of Bach's instrumental music, the composer ignores the convenience of the player, and pursues instead an absolute musical ideal. All three together make an iconic and deeply satisfying concert.

Lynn Tetenbaum and Katherine Heater have been favourites of the Bay Area early music scene for many years, and their vision of the sonatas is something Barefoot has been looking forward to presenting for a long time. This will be an unforgettable event.

The program will be approximately 60 - 75 minutes with no intermission. The usual light refreshments will be available.

For more details, and to order tickets online, visit www.barefootchamberconcerts.com.

Official Website: http://barefootchamberconcerts.com