PROGRAM PROPOSALS
La Penserosa brings early music to life with immersive performances that transport audiences to the courts and chapels of olden times. Each program explores unique themes, from passionate Italian love songs to grand instrumental works.
Below are a few of our featured programs, but the possibilities remain endless. Custom programs are available on request.
Si Dolce é il Tormento
So Sweet is the Torment
The history of music, literature, and art is filled with stories of star-crossed lovers and the sweet pangs of love. This program will take you to the courts and castles of 17th Century Italy where these stories abound. Songs about love and rapturous instrumental music by Monteverdi, Merula, Uccellini, Strozzi, Sances, Castello…
/ Soprano, Recorder, Violin, Basso Continuo: 4-6 musicians
METAMORPHOSIS
from Ashes to Flight
Inspired by the Phoenix regenerating from its own ashes, this program takes the audience through a musical journey of the metamorphosis of suffering and sadness transforming into courage, hope and finally joy. Works by Bach, Biber, Buxtehude, Schmelzer, Castello.
3 Versions:
1 / Violin, Viola da Gamba, Theorbo/Baroque Guitar: 3 musicians
2 / Violin and Keyboard (Harpsichord or Organ): 2 musicians
3 / Violin, Oboe, Cello, Harpsichord: 3-4 musicians
Chiaroscuro
Contrasts of light and shadow, joy and sorrow bring this varied Baroque program to life. Music by Telemann, Biber, Buxtehude, Uccellini, Fischer, Vincent, Bach.
4 Versions:
1 / Organ, Violin, Recorder, Bassoon, Oboe, Cello, Harpsichord: 4-6 musicians
2 / Violin, Viola da Gamba, Theorbo/Lute: 3 musicians
3 / Violin, Oboe, Cello, Harpsichord: 4 musicians
4 / Violin and Organ (or Harpsichord): 2 musicians
Bach Sonatas
These timeless works are brought to life by the captivating performances of the members of La Penserosa.
/ Violin and Harpsichord: 2 musicians
Dolorosa
A moving program of Pergolesi’s poignant Stabat Mater, introduced by a contrasting Concerto per archi of Vivaldi.
/ String Quintet, Harpsichord or Organ, Soprano, Alto: 8 musicians
Arcadia
The brilliant and feisty Queen Christina of Sweden, remembered as one of the most learned women of the 17th century, captivated and scandalized Europe with her bold choices—most notably her conversion to Catholicism and abdication of the throne in 1654. Settling in Rome, she became a powerful patron of the arts, founding the Academy of Arcadia, which would play a key role in the cultural blossoming of Baroque Italy.
This program features works by composers she supported or inspired, including Arcangelo Corelli, Alessandro Stradella, and Alessandro Scarlatti, whose music flourished under her influence.
1 / Small (trio sonata) version: 4 musicians
2 / Large (concerto grosso) version: 8-12 musicians