Caractères de la Dance ~ A Baroque Rebellion The London Handel Players, world renowned from Wigmore Hall to Carnegie Hall, have teamed up with charismatic baroque dancers Mary Collins and Steven Player in a ground-breaking presentation of the craze for dancing which swept from Versailles across Europe and beyond in the age of Louis XIV. Performed in the costumes of the nobility, the country folk and the mischievous rogue jester, Harlequin, original choreographies of courtly and theatrical dances are, quite literally lifted off the page, capturing the full-bloodied character of an encyclopaedic range of musical expression. A revelation to audiences today, new but historically-based renditions are created for Bach s B minor Suite and Rebel s Caractères de la Dance, introduced in an informative and engaging way. Audiences young and old, specialist and novice, are transported by the sheer exuberance of this very visual production and the striking musical effects as dancers and musicians become one ensemble. It has made me think again about all the music I thought I knew Audience member, East Cork Early Music Festival, 2015 Dancer Mary Collins, flautist Rachel Brown and violinist Adrian Butterfield met, initially, teaching at the Aestas Musica International Summer School of Baroque Music and Dance in Croatia and this immensely fruitful partnership sparked a thirst for greater understanding of one another s specialisms, and so began our research So much baroque music is dance based, making this insight all the more crucial. So life-changing has this proved for us, and so influential in all aspects of our performing and teaching that we are excited to share the true magic of this repertoire as it was envisaged by its creators. Alongside our staged performances we offer illuminating talks, and inspirational masterclasses and workshops for musicians, dancers and interested members of the public (so many of whom, with infectious enthusiasm, want to get up and dance themselves) to promote an understanding of the special relationship between these two inextricably linked art forms and its far-reaching effect on the performance of baroque music.
Baroque Dance Projects Project 1: A Baroque Rebellion (programme 1) full evening performance 7 musicians, 2 dancers Project 2: A Baroque Rebellion (programme 2) full evening performance 4 musicians, 2 dancers Project 3: Solo Bach & the Dance 1 hour performance 2 musicians, 2 dancers Project 4: Bach and the Ball Room 1 hour lecture recital 1 musician, one dancer (or Rachel alone) Project 5: Dance to Bach student workshops/masterclasses 1 or 2 musicians, 1 dancer Project 6: Strictly Baroque community workshop 3 or 4 musicians, 2 dancers Project 7: For Kings and Courtiers corporate events 4 musicians, 1 or 2 dancers Project 8: Baroque Dance: a Handbook for Musicians and Dancers, For the amusement of the Curious Book launch: introduction to the book and film 1 musician, 1 dancer Pre-concert talks are usually 30 minutes in length. Staged programmes require a minimum depth of 8m (better, 10m) of visible floor space plus space for the musicians + double manual harpsichord (+ hire and tuning). A smooth, suspended floor is best. Raked seating is ideal but performances can work well in a long gallery with audience on three sides. We also need a female helper backstage for costume changes..........
Project 1: Caractères de la Dance ~ A Baroque Rebellion Louis XIV s passion for dancing inspired Europe s greatest composers to write exquisite dance music. This sumptuous programme offers a rare opportunity for audiences to experience the marriage of the music with La Belle Danse, in several original choreographies plus newly created sets for the magnificent suites by Rebel and JS Bach. Handel directed a performance of Caractères de la Dance in London in 1725 with the renowned French dancer, Marie Sallé and Lalande s Grande Pièce Royale was a great favourite of Louis XV. Programme 1 to include: Lully Marche pour les Turcs from Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme Lully Passacaillle de Persée Campra Overture and Loure from L Europe Galante Corelli Follia Handel Suite in G major from the Water Music Rebel Caractères de la Dance Anon Sarabande pour un homme non dancée à l Opéra Anon Hornpipe Purcell Hornpipe on a ground from The Married Beau Lully Chaconne d Arlequin Lalande Grande Pièce Royale Bach Suite in B minor full evening performance 7 musicians, 2 dancers minimum depth of 8m (better, 10m) of visible floor space plus space at the back or side for the musicians double manual harpsichord (+ hire and tuning) lighting a brilliant collaboration such an insightful experience Audience member, London, March 2017
Project 2: Caractères de la Dance ~ A Baroque Rebellion (Programme 2) Pageantry, privacy and pantomime at the court of Louis XIV. After the pomp and ceremony of a grand Pavane and a delightful suite dedicated to his charming young grand-daughter-in-law, the Duchess of Burgundy, we join Louis XIV in his private chamber to savour a typical Sunday afternoon performance of the last of Couperin s Concerts Royaux. Stunning and sultry Spanish-inspired renditions of the Loure and Follia lead to recreations of original, characterful, theatrical choreographies for a Venetian Forlana and a Chaconne for the cheeky Harlequin. Striking music by celebrated violinist-dancers Lully, Leclair and Rebel round off this exhilarating programme. Programme 2 to include: Lully Anon Campra Couperin Corelli Leclair Campra Lully Rebel Pavane des Saisons La Bourgogne Overture and Loure from L Europe Galante Quatrième Concert Royal Follia 2.ème Recréation de la Musique Forlana from L Europe Galante Chaconne d Arlequin Caractères de la Dance Duration: full evening performance 4 musicians, 2 dancers minimum depth of 8m (better, 10m) of visible floor space plus space for the musicians harpsichord supplied and tuned lighting Fee: The whole project came to life and it was a pleasure to absorb the character of the baroque dance. Audience member, London, March 2017
Project 3 Solo Bach & the Dance Iconic solo Partitas brought to life Adrian Butterfield and Rachel Brown bring a fresh approach to Bach s justly famous solo Partitas in partnership with two inspirational early dance specialists, Mary Collins and Steven Player, capturing the spirit of the dances which were so popular in Bach s day. Programme: JS Bach A minor Flute Partita, BWV 1013 JS Bach E major or D minor Violin Partita, BWV 1006/1004 Duration: 1 hour performance Ideal for lunchtime, early evening or late-night concert 2 musicians, 2 dancers Rachel Brown, flute, Adrian Butterfield, violin Mary Collins & Steven Player, baroque dancers Pre-concert talk (optional or incorporated into the recital): Bach and the Dance What you said about the dance was so fascinating it changed the way I listened Audience member, Tilford Bach Festival, 2017
Project 4: Bach and the Ball Room Lecture recital on Dance in the Bach Partitas In the 18th century dancing was a favourite pastime of everyone from kings to peasants. Bach learned to dance with a teacher who had grown up working alongside Lully at the court of Louis XIV, himself a passionate dancer emulated by all European nobility This lecture recital, with an illuminating powerpoint presentation, explores the true character of the common baroque dances through their essential steps, their notation and typical musical examples. It may be adapted to specific instrumental repertoire, or expanded to cover a broad spectrum of dances and may also include a complete performance if desired. Programme may include: JS Bach A minor Flute Partita, BWV 1013 and/or JS Bach E major Violin Partita, BWV 1006 Duration: 1 hour lecture recital performance 1 or 2 musicians, 1 dancer (or Rachel* alone) Rachel Brown, flute, Adrian Butterfield, violin Mary Collins, baroque dancer Language: English or German* Never mind the answers, it has made me rethink the questions Audience member, East Cork Early Music Festival, 2015 It was so interesting to hear about the dances it makes you hear the music in a different way Audience member, Tilford Bach Festival, 2017 Requirements: projector or screen for powerpoint presentation
Project 5: Dance to Bach Student workshops and masterclasses As established professors at London s leading music colleges our wealth of multi-disciplinary experience is combined here in lively baroque dance workshops and masterclasses for students at universities, conservatoires and performing arts academies. These workshops may be tailored to relevant core repertoire or individual solo/chamber music (eg. Bach Partitas and Orchestral Suites, Couperin Concerts Royaux and dance suites by Lully, Purcell, Handel and Rameau, etc). Through study of some simple dance notation and typical musical examples, students discover how the effect of dancing themselves to their chosen pieces, or accompanying an expert dancer, is often transformational in terms of their grasp of tempo, phrasing, style and character. We regularly work with players of modern or historical instruments, and encourage experimentation with bowing, articulation, phrasing, ornamentation, etc. We offer dance workshops, masterclasses, invaluable instrumental coaching and side-by-side experience, playing alongside members of the London Handel Players, often concluding projects with a final performance. student workshops/masterclasses ½ day, full day, 3 days or multiple visits 1 or more musicians (as required), 1 or 2 dancers a very interesting, inspiring experience First dancing the allemanda, then playing it while people were dancing - it gave a whole new perspective on the piece I don't know if I would ever have this knowledge if I was not in this workshop, so thank you Student, Royal Academy of Music, London a wonderful opportunity and memorable experience as a participant and student I learned a huge amount and am very inspired to continue exploring the early music repertoire. Student, Royal Irish Academy of Music, Dublin We should be doing this every week, it is so important Student, Royal College of Music, London Lovely, engaging and eye-opening Workshop participant, Kings College, London, 2016 Those dance classes were great I wish we had more Student, Royal College of Music, London
Project 6: Strictly Baroque Community workshops As dedicated and experienced teachers we devise workshops to suit each particular group. Suitable for children and adult amateurs (no experience necessary) this may take the form of a dance session introducing basic steps leading to a group rendition of one or two dances. The workshop may also incorporate musical coaching on pre-prepared pieces, alongside grounding in fundamental elements of stylistic playing. We also offer coaching for younger children and adult amateur groups which may lead to a performance. For schools Highly effective for national curriculum learning attainment targets; SATs, GCSE and A level, to incorporate set works where applicable. 3 or 4 musicians, 1 or 2 dancers Duration: 1 hour, ½ day, full day or multiple visits Number of participants: 20-30 (depending on space) Requirements: school or community hall or gymnasium Extra teaching room for offshoot group Music stands AV compatible with Macbook Pro You mean you can play it in different ways? It s more cool if you look as though you re not trying Yr 5 Pupils, 2017 The children had a really positive day I ve had some great feedback from parents today too Teacher, 2017 I was amazed at what they all achieved over the day Teachers, schools workshop, 2017
Project 7: For Kings and Courtiers Corporate Events Without the dance, a man can do nothing... All the misfortunes of mankind, all the dreadful disasters that fill the history books, the blunders of politicians and the faults of great commanders, all this comes from not knowing how to dance (Dancing Master in Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme, Molière, (1670) We offer bespoke events to suit your occasion, be it for private entertainment, corporate social responsibility or strategy and team building. We can create a performance to suit every type of function, formal or informal, for any duration, any size and space, tailored to the audience or participants, such as corporate dinners, celebrations, birthdays and anniversaries, award ceremonies, product launches, opening ceremonies, VIP events, fundraisers, conferences/trade shows, galas, client appreciation and team building events. In this age of virtual existence, so often devoid of physical activity and contact even the simplest of group dances offers a shared kinesthetic experience, producing an intense connection which reaches to the core of our being as humans, fulfilling our need and desire to be part of a group. In almost every type of setting, one of the oldest and most universal of dances, the farandole, never ceases to work its magic on everyone, young and old. Within seconds of taking hands and joining together in a line, the participants are literally grinning with pleasure It was a complete joy to partner with LHP at our fundraising gala this year - not only did they bring world-class musical performances, they immersed our guests in the world of the Baroque, making our event an unforgettable evening. The Wallace Collection, March 2017
Project 8: Baroque Dance: a Handbook for Musicians and Dancers For the amusement of the Curious Our long-term collaboration has fuelled our quest for understanding of the dances of the baroque era, the playing customs and techniques and performance style. So fascinating has this been for us, and so influential in all aspects of our performing and teaching that, by popular demand, we present Baroque Dance: A Handbook for Musicians & Dancers, for the amusement of the curious and its accompanying film, Baroque Rebellion. By pooling our specialist knowledge in the fields of early dance, historical wind-, string- and keyboard playing, we offer an all-round understanding of the crucial relationship/interaction between the dance and its music. The handbook contains: an introduction to basic dance notation a clear explanation of the characteristic dance steps discussion of general matters of interpretation, such as tempo, phrasing, rhythmic alteration, etc technical notes on articulation for wind players, bowing for string players and fingering for keyboard players a brief look at the roots of baroque dance in the pavane and galliard separate chapters dedicated to each of the most common baroque dances with a summary of the key information, source references, copious musical examples and an original choreography. The accompanying film/dvd is a glorious illustration of these chosen dances, recreating original choreographies, complete with clear demonstrations of the dance steps illuminating introductions relating each dance to a typical, often well-known musical example extra tracks with commentary pointing out the steps and salient musical features. This book and film will prove to be an invaluable resource for musicians and dancers, amateurs, students and professionals alike - truly an amusement for the curious Book launch events: We offer discussions and readings from the book which can be illustrated by music and dance or by the showing of parts of the film. This can be part of a day of activities culminating in an evening concert or it can be a stand alone literary event which can also be offered as a short illustrated recital. 1 musician, 1 dancer (or more)
Action Sinead O Carroll For all enquiries, please contact O Carroll Artist and Project Management sinead@sineadocarroll.co.uk Tel: +44 1753 855 432 Mob: +44 791 376 4141 visit Youtube video: Caractères de la Dance a Baroque Rebellion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtllenic6yq BBC interview: Sounds of Dance http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08vy6j0