About the Performance
Tracing the arrival of the first Italian immigrants to America, along with the instruments and singers they brought with them.
In recognition of America at 250 years, the Baroque ensemble Split the Lark explores the musical spirit of the time of the American Revolution.
From figures like Antonio Vivaldi and Giovanni Battista Pergolesi—who cemented the Italianate baroque style—to Georg Frideric Handel—who adopted these sensibilities for English-speaking audiences in London—Italian opera was at the height of its power in the late 1700s. This musical form marked a shift in taste: from monarchical sway to public control.
The ensemble will also present lesser-known works by Niccolò Piccinni and Thomas Arne, whose “La Buona Figliuola” and “Artaxerxes” respectively were among the first European arias presented in their original language to American audiences.
In recognition of America at 250 years, the Baroque ensemble Split the Lark explores the musical spirit of the time of the American Revolution.
From figures like Antonio Vivaldi and Giovanni Battista Pergolesi—who cemented the Italianate baroque style—to Georg Frideric Handel—who adopted these sensibilities for English-speaking audiences in London—Italian opera was at the height of its power in the late 1700s. This musical form marked a shift in taste: from monarchical sway to public control.
The ensemble will also present lesser-known works by Niccolò Piccinni and Thomas Arne, whose “La Buona Figliuola” and “Artaxerxes” respectively were among the first European arias presented in their original language to American audiences.
Ensemble Details
Split the Lark is a Baroque ensemble led by singers Sarah Fleiss and Morgan Mastrangelo. Along with a rotating cast of instrumentalists, Split the Lark seeks to codify an aesthetic practice of musicking that is not limited to the conditions of the initial performance. Drawing from cumulative soundings of this repertoire throughout history, both historical and speculative, Split the Lark takes vocal inspiration from bravura singers of the 19th century, up to and including the early stars of the recording era. Baroque theorists and writers upheld the channeling of “les affets” (the “affectations”) as the greatest aim in music. Split the Lark believes that theatrical declamation—the ability to be heard clearly and without strain from all parts of a room—is the most potent tool to spark affectation across ensemble and audience.
Location
Teatro of the Italian Academy
1161 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10027