le grand tour

The aim of the young English aristocrats who in the 18th century carried out their "Grand Tour" was to discover Europe's formidable diversity. Here is a lively and relevant musical description, with various commentaries, that takes you in turn to England, France, Italy and Germany.

A change of scenery, in the full sense of the word!

The Grand Tour was, in the 18th century, a popular way for young European aristocrats (mainly British) from good families to acquire a range of views and ideas by travelling across Europe. Inspired by this tradition, the Masques ensemble offers a concert that transports the listener into an authentic travel story that includes stops in the major cities of France, Italy or Germany, where works by Rameau, Couperin, Vivaldi, Bach or Telemann were performed.

This program not only places the works in their creative context, but also sheds new light on the time and places visited. Through the readings and acting of the young and talented actor Julien Campani, the excerpts from correspondence written at the time come to life and share with the audience delightful contemporary anecdotes about the places, composers, inhabitants and landscapes of 18th century Europe.

Works by Purcell, Marais, Lully, Corrette, Campra, De Lalande, Rameau, Monteverdi, Albinoni, Vivaldi, Corelli, Telemann, J.S. Bach.