Repertoire
French-italians Rivalries
Influences & "Goûts réunis"
In contrast to the heated salon debates that pitted the defenders of Italian music against the lovers of French music at the beginning of the 18th century, the ensemble La Mandorle presents a programme that reconciles the two nations in an aesthetic reminiscent of the 'goûts-réunis'.
Characteristic trio sonatas or arrangements created for the occasion bring together these Baroque instruments with their unique and expressive timbres.
Musical evening under the Regency
18th Century French Music
The end of the "Roi Soleil" 's reign at the beginning of the 18th century saw the emergence of more intimate musical moments in royal life. Every evening, the king attended chamber music concerts or concerts with larger ensembles at the home of Madame de Maintenon.
The death of Louis XIV marked a turning point in French musical life. Louis XV was too young to rule, and the kingdom came under the regency of Philippe II, Duke of Orléans. During this period, the royal ceremonial was relaxed and the king's musicians diversified their activities outside the court. Musical circles developed, such as the cultural centres of the Duke of Orléans and the Concert des Mélophilètes. The latest compositions by Hotteterre, De Visée and Dornel were eagerly listened to.
The Ensemble will be delighted to take you back to these musical evenings with a programme illustrating the rise of instrumental music between 1710 and 1730.
Haendel vs Bononcini
Young audience performance
The ensemble La Mandorle imagines a composition competition between two successful personalities in England in the 1720s : Haendel and Bononcini.
Nothing goes according to plan, however, when a mysterious competitor enters the competition under the pseudonym of Mrs Philharmonica... an opportunity to introduce young people to Baroque instruments and their peculiarities in a humorous competition !
