Programmes
Grand Désir offers several programmes, searching in each one of them for a uniqueness to offer their audiences. Listed below are some suggested programmes with their descriptions. Should you want to ‘order’ an altered programme, or create a new programme altogether, please contact us for inquiries.
Dance et Chanson
A programme with fifteenth century Basse-Dance tunes showing resemblance to Burgundian chansons from the same period. A unique programme, in that these resemblances are often speculated about within the academic world of musicology, but are rarely performed on stage. The combination, however, creates a very exciting programme, varying intsrumental music with vocal music. The chansons and the basse dances combined with numerous intabulations made after several 15th century chansons, form a concert programme linking some of the most important genres of the 15th century. More…
Medieval England
As the title suggests, this programme is dedicated to a repertoire rarely heard: English medieval music. This programme, however, goes one step further than that: it solely concentrates on English medieval music with texts written in the English language. A rarity in medieval times, as most sacred music was written in Latin and most secular music in French. The programme develops with vocal and instrumental music from the early 13th century to the 15th century with some more famous composers such as Dunstable and Frye. More…
Advance and romance in England and France 1300-1500
This programme is a fusion of the two programmes described above. Starting in 13th century England, it moves across the channel with the 15th century Burgundian Chanson, a genre also well represented in England. Combining English and French culture creates a divers programme showing exciting developments in music history.
Contemporary music for medieval ensemble
This is a programme special both within early music performance practice as well as within the world of contemporary music. The ensemble members’ broad interests have resulted in a very fruitful collaboration between the musicians and contemporary composers such as Hugo Vogel, Aspasia Naspoulou, Cynhtie van Eijden and Martijn Voorvelt. Some composers have used medieval texts for their compositions, for example poetry of Pretracra or Chrsitine de Pizan. Others have concentrated on compositional ideals of medieval music. In whatever form, these are unique compositions only performed by Grand Désir. In this programme, where both medieval and contemporary music will be performed, Grand Désir brings two extremes of music history a lot closer to each other than many would consider possible.