18 May 2012

Grandeur and Frivolity - Music and fashion from the Courts of Louis XIV & XV

Garth Wilshere

27/07/2011 9:47:00 a.m.

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The Historical Arts Trust
Grandeur and Frivolity – Music and fashion from the Courts of Louis XIV & XV
St Andrew’s on The Terrace, July 23
Reviewed by Garth Wilshere

THIS Saturday afternoon event was the third from this new charitable trust, a fascinating cross-disciplinary event celebrating the magnificence of the Court of King Louis XIV of France and his heir Louis XV at Versailles. It was an opulent time with Louis XIV, known as The Sun King, surrounded by glorious splendour and beauty in art, fashion, music and dance.
This occasion celebrated that period with a vibrantly illustrated talk by Clarissa Dunn and textile historian Leimomi Oakes. Intriguing detail was revealed in the talk, with accurate representations of fashions worn and modeled by the participants.
Wearing bright orange and red coloured flashes representing the period, instrumentals Brendon O’Donnell (recorder), Jessica Lightfoot (baroque violin), Oscar Laven (baroque bassoon) and Adriana Odermatt (harpsichord) accompanied the singing and provided musical examples by the court composers of the time.  Jean-Baptiste Lully and François Couperin, with baroque dancer Keith McEwing, showed the dancing style and steps.
Mezzo – soprano Bianca Andrew in wonderfully evocative period dress, superbly sang a selection of pieces, the standout a Lully aria.
It was an imaginative undertaking, much-enjoyed and supported by a full church.
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Cover Story

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