Musical Performances to Celebrate Works of Two 18th Century Composers

Two composing giants of the 18th century will be celebrated in two concerts two days apart at Illinois State University.  Faculty and guest musicians will present music for strings and harpsichord by J.S. Bach at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1, in Kemp Recital Hall, and the viola studio of Kate Lewis will present a Telemann-a-thon - music for viola by Georg Philipp Telemann, at 7 p.m. Feb. 3 in the University Galleries.

Both are free and open to the public.

The Bach recital will be performed by School of Music faculty members Kate Lewis, viola; cellist Adriana Ransom and harpsichordist Paul Borg, along with guest performers Elizabeth Macdonald, viola de gamba; violist Ana Maria Wilson, bass player Garold Fowler and viola de gamba player Carol Wessler.  The viola de gamba is a large viola that is held and played like a cello.

The Bach program will include all three of his Sonatas for Viola de Gamba and his Brandenburg Concerto No. 6.  

Two days later, Lewis' students will begin the Telemann-a-thon playing eight of the composer's fantasies for solo viola, two concertos for four violas, one concerto for two violas, a concerto for one viola, two canonic sonatas, a trio for two violas and bass, and others.