6. The Italian Connection: the Theater of Stylus Fantasticus

In the same way that chiaroscuro paintings evoke strong emotions through bold contrasts, so too does music’s Stylus fantasticus through frequent juxtapositions of free fantasy with measured counterpoint. Emanating from Italy, this theatrical style infused the spirit of the Baroque both in performance and composition, culminating here in Corelli’s famed variations on ‘‘madness.’’ Prepare for a musical rollercoaster!

Program Includes

• Girolamo Frescobaldi Toccata and Canzona
• Isabella Leonarda Sonata Opus 16, No. 12
• Johann Jakob Walther Sonata X, ‘‘Imitatione del Cuccu,’’ from Scherzi da violino solo
• Johann Sebastian Bach Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue in D Minor
• Arcangelo Corelli Sonata for Violin and Continuo in D Minor, Opus 5, No. 12, ‘‘La Follia’’