Bernard Foccroulle

At the keyboard of the very beautiful organ of the Chapelle du Séminaire, one of the greatest organists of our time travels through 17th century Europe, gleaning over the course of his travels a magnificent musical bouquet with varied scents.

At the beginning of the 17th century, Italy saw the development of a colourful, virtuoso and expressive instrumental art, of which Frescobaldi, Castello, Fontana and Buonamente were eminent representatives. This period is fascinating insofar as these composers are constantly searching, innovating and experimenting. At the same time in Seville, Correa de Arauxo wrote for the Tientos organ in a flamboyant style.

The Italian influence on German composers continued to grow throughout the century, culminating with Weckmann and Buxtehude, the great masters of North German music.

The "Fifteen Sonatas of the Rosary" by the Czech composer Heinrich Biber, one of the most virtuosic violinists of his time, constitute an exceptional ensemble in violin literature: in each of them, the violin is tuned differently, and there are multiple influences, including those from Central Europe.

Pieces of Roland de Lassus, Girolamo Frescobaldi, Biber, Correa de Arauxo, Buxtehude, Matthias Weckmann, Dario Castello
François Fernandez violin
Lambert Colson cornetto
Bernard Foccroulle organ