The L’Esperance Mandolin Ensemble explores the roots of the folk revival going back to Vivaldi and Beethoven. in 1591, English Renaissance composer William Byrd published a series of variations on Sellinger’s Rownde, a popular folk dance from the 1400s. While Beethoven is most known for his symphonies and string quartets, more than half of Beethoven’s compositions are improvisations on folk songs from Germany, the British Isles and Russia. Edward German, Peter Warlock, and Gustav Holst are just a few of the composers from the late 19th and early 20th century who devoted substantial parts of their musical output to variations and improvisations of traditions themes. And, of course, contemporary composers continue to explore melodies from a wide range of music from around the world.
L’Esperance’s program at the Church of the Mediator in Providence is a reprise of our successful concert there in December and will feature compositions based on folk melodies from the Baroque, Romantic, and Impressionist periods including works by Vivaldi, Bach and Beethoven. The program will also feature contemporary approaches to traditional music.
L’Esperance will be joined by Harvey Marcotte and Everett Brown, renowned vocalist and instrumentalist from Wickford Express.
Join us for a lively evening blending folk music, classical composers and the unique voices of the mandolin family.