Echoes of Eternity: An early music journey to revival

Amid the grandeur of Gothic architecture and the warmth of flickering candlelight, Saint Mary of the Annunciation on Hasell Street will play host to the melodies of Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart and many others in this year’s Piccolo Early Music Series.

“The rhythms of the past will come alive in the wonderful acoustical setting of St. Mary’s Church with music played on original instruments,” said Steve Rosenberg, artistic director of the series, which has been running for more than 30 years.

Rosenberg, a professor emeritus at the College of Charleston, promises a bit of everything this year, from Vivaldi’s iconic “Four Seasons” to Spanish guitar and even a touch of Shakespeare’s stage band.

“We’re doing a lot of Baroque music this year,” he said. “Basically, we are going to have some of the greatest masterpieces of music from the 16th through the 18th centuries. Plus how often do people have a chance to hear a solo harpsichord recital as well?”

The North Carolina Baroque Orchestra, based in Davidson, will present two of this year’s programs. “It will be really exciting to hear a world-class ensemble based in the Carolinas,” Rosenberg said.

Among its offerings will be May 26’s “Vive la France,” a showcase for solo and duo instruments, including harpsichord and theorbo, as they play French baroque music, a genre known for its lush and elaborate compositions. The harpsichord will also be featured in the orchestra’s “Bach to Bach” program on May 30, in which Elisabeth Wright will be joined by violinist David Wilson to present sonatas as well as solo works by J.S. Bach.

“The venue for our concerts at Piccolo Spoleto is warm and intimate, enhancing the listeners’ experience by inviting them to join us in our musical journeys through the Baroque music of Germany, Italy and France,” said Barbara Krumdiek, the orchestra’s co-founder and executive director. “Our concerts provide a space of inclusivity and acceptance.”

Variety of classical programming on tap

Nobody knows exactly what Shakespeare’s audiences heard, but the five-member Spartina Consort (right) will make an educated guess on June 2 as they perform instrumental and vocal selections by John Dowland and other composers familiar to the Bard.

Before that, classical guitar virtuoso Ulayana Machneva will offer a glimpse into “The Golden Age of Spanish Guitar” beginning May 29. “It’s really inspiring to play the old music, the early music,” Machneva said, “because I am inspired by its tranquility and wisdom.”

Her program ranges from Luis de Milan (“his lute pieces became the classical early music for the guitar”) to the timeless melodies of Tarrega and Rodrigo, and onward to more familiar names like Bach.

Machneva also works as a music teacher, which impresses upon her the importance of educating the next generation of early-music fans. “It is difficult to get them interested in classical guitar music with the instrument being not so easy to play,” she said.

Rosenberg shares her sense of urgency. “We are living in a world now where everything is pop, pop culture,” he said.

Nonetheless, they are both hopeful about the revival of early music. “It is a good and inspiring concert for the young generation to come and see what the guitar can play,” Machneva said.