The Torch Dance, third movement of the Edward German’s Three Dance from Henry the VIII, is a powerful dance evoking the fire and energy of Druidic Beltane celebrations.
Welsh composer, Edward German wrote principally for the English musical theatre as successor to Arthur Sullivan (of Gilbert and Sullivan fame). The Three Dances are incidental music for a play about the life of Henry VIII. While these tunes are original compositions by German, they are highly influenced by the music of the Elizabethan era.
L’Esperance Mandolin Ensemble was founded in 1990 to continue the tradition of mandolin in America represented by the great American mandolinists Giuseppe Pettine, William Place, Jr. and Hibbard Perry. From Folk to Baroque, our program presented at the First Unitarian Church of Providence on May 14, 2016 celebrates the marriage of folk and classical music from Baroque composer Antonio Vivaldi to Beethoven and including contemporary composers Jim Dalton and Michael Mayerfeld Bell.
Mandolin: Michael Cappelli, Virginia Child, Jack Cook, Yvette Cote, Julia Doyle-Kingsbury, Duane Golomb, Keith Higginson, Chang Lee, Viki Merrick, Ron Parker, Terry Smith
Mandola: Vincent Bucci, David Burt, Harvey Marcotte, Will Melton, Joanne Taddei, Frederick Work
Mandocello: Jess Dettmann, Alex Hatzberger, Michael Scott
Guitar: Christopher Sanzo
Mandobass: Hiatt Knapp
Percussion: Kyle Forsthoff
Musical Direction: Joshua Bell