Matthew Wadsworth, theorbo | Macclesfield

Handel Concerto Grosso Op 6 No 5 | Dvořák Two Waltzes for Strings Op 54 | Stephen Goss Theorbo Concerto | Bartók Divertimento for Strings | Bach Brandenburg Concerto No 3

 

Matthew Wadsworth has earned a reputation as one of the world’s finest lutenists. His entrancing performances have led to reviews fulsome in their praise of his musicianship. Matthew was born blind but when contemplating his many achievements, both on and off the stage, ‘disabled’ is certainly not a word that could be used to apply to him. In this concert, we hear a new concerto by Stephen Goss for a medieval instrument, the 7 foot long theorbo. This comes at the end of the first half that is opened by the ebullient and perfectly conceived, Concerto Grosso in D by Handel. In the second half are two towering works of genius, Bartók’s magnificent Divertimento for Strings, from 1939, his last composition in Europe before fleeing to the United States prior to World War II; and to close the concert is a piece that is sure to put a smile on any face with its bouncy confidence, the 3rd of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos.

This concert is generously supported by Martin and Angela Losse

Saturday 9 February 2019. 7.30pm
Macclesfield Heritage Centre