Stile Moderno: new music from the 17th century

The new early music ensemble Quicksilver presents a concert of brilliant and virtuosic music from the avant-garde of the 1600s. Italy in the early 17th century was not just the home of the new science of Galileo, but of a nuove musiche or new music as well. Composers were experimenting with the emerging genre of the sonata — an abstract work for instruments — and discovering ways of creating elaborate and theatrical musical conversations between the players. This new music is full of abrupt contrasts, dramatic shifts of texture, and spectacular solo writing, as well as infectiously rhythmic dance movements and heartbreakingly beautiful melodies.