Baroque and contemporary music have a lot in common; a diligent search for specific sounds, a constant exploration of the possibilities of current instruments, and similar ensemble sizes. Recent years have seen the development of some exciting new works, either as a commission for baroque orchestras, or referring to masterpieces of baroque literature.
Sarah Nemtsov
The young German composer Sarah Nemtsov was commissioned to write a new work for harpsichord and the Finnish Baroque Orchestra. This work can also be performed on modern instruments.
beyond its simple space (2018)
For harpsichord solo and baroque orchestra
harpsichord – fl.bsn.2vl.vla.vc,db (amplified, with effect pedals and objects)
Duration: 22'
Score of beyond its simple space
Listen to the excerpt
Olga Neuwirth
The Austrian composer Olga Neuwirth refers to the Brandenburg concertos in her flute concerto
Aello – ballet mécanomorphe. The harpsichord sound is played by a keyboard and the percussive element comes from an old-school typewriter.
Aello – ballet mécanomorphe (2016/2017)
for solo- flute, 2 muted trumpets, string ensemble, keyboard and typewriter
flute – 0.0.0.0 – 0.2.0.0 – perc – synth – 3.3.2.2.0
Duration: 18'
Score of Aello – ballet mécanomorphe
Lisa Streich
ricordilab laureate Lisa Streich created a work for Cologne Philharmonie and Hofkapelle München as part of “The non bthvn project”. In
HÄNDEKÜSSEN (hand-kissing), Lisa Streich divides the orchestra in two, with the right half taking over the steps of the right foot and the left half taking over the steps of the left foot. And so, the orchestra begins an imaginary dance – with a kiss of the hand (maybe).
HÄNDEKÜSSEN (2019)
for baroque orchestra
2.2.0.2 – 2.0.0.0 – 5.4.3.2.1
Duration: 12'
More information about the work
here.
Score of HÄNDEKÜSSEN
Dai Fujikura
Not quite connected to baroque music is the Shamisen concerto by the Japanese composer Dai Fujikura. But the sound of the Asian instrument is reminiscent of a harpsichord’s percussive attack.
Shamisen Concerto (2019)
ensemble version
for shamisen and ensemble
shamisen – 1.1.1.1 – 1.1.1.0 – vib.pf – 1.1.1.1.1
Duration: 23'
Score of Shamisen Concerto
Watch Japanese national premiere