MusicSources to present a Renaissance Fête
from Naples
In celebration of our 20th season, MusicSources is presenting a fully staged court entertainment from late Renaissance Naples. Delizie di Posilipo Boscarecce, e Maritime (The Sylvan and Oceanic Delights of Posilipo) was originally performed on Carnival Sunday, 1620, to celebrate the return to health of His Catholic Majesty, PHILIP III OF AUSTRIA, King of the Spains."
It is rich in extravagant scenic effects and beautiful vocal and dance numbers. Knights, cavaliers, sea deities, and sirens rise up from the ocean waves. Venus arrives in a half-shell drawn by swans, to be greeted by Pan, sylvan creatures, and other forest gods. All of this was a pro- paganda tool cleverly devised by Don Pedro Giron, Duke of Ossuna and Viceroy of Naples, to impress Philip III and gain political favor.
Posilipo is unique in that it is one of the earliest Italian court ballets that survives with a complete description and nearly all of its music intact. Among the named composers are Francesco Lombardi, Giacomo Spiardo, Andrea Ansolone and Giovanni Maria Trabaci. Trabaci is known mainly for his elaborate works for organ, harpsichord and harp. In this work he contributes a ravishing piece for three Sirens, and also the monody for Venus. Among the music are staple court dances such as the gagliarda, as well as dances of a more exotic nature, such the Dance for Swans or The Dance for the Apes and Satyrs, to be played on wind instruments.
I first learned of this piece many years ago, when reading the dissertation of eminent musicologist Roland Jackson on Trabaci's work, which lead me to the edition Dr. Jackson prepared in 1978. Hearing excerpts of its music, both in recordings and in concert, furthered my interest, but its lavish scenic descriptions made any dream of a full production seem impractical.
Several years ago, I mentioned the work to our beloved Laurette Goldberg, who encouraged my pursuit of a full performance, and subsequently I spoke with the MusicSources board, initially to present a concert version with reduced forces. Our discussion caused wild enthusiasm, and it soon became apparent that we had to try something more daring. Our performance is possibly the first attempt in modern times to produce this work on a grand scale. It is to date the most ambitious project MusicSources has ever attempted.
Early on it seemed natural, even essential to contact UC Berkeley musicologist Kate van Orden. It goes without saying that she is a great performer, scholar and inspiring teacher. Known for her trailblazing production of the Carousel du Roi and writings on the subject of French Court Ballets, she pointed me toward those who could help with staging and choreography. She recommended that I consult choreographer Mark Franko to collaborate on this project. He is an authority in the court ballet tradition and in reconstructing Renaissance dance.
At present, our production is a collaboration with the UC Santa Cruz Theater Arts Department, and will involve a large dance troupe, elegantly attired in new costume designs based on the original descriptions. San Francisco artist Dwight Been will design the set and stage machinery, again based on the original account from 1620. A cast of ten young singers and a Renaissance band of nearly thirty musicians will round out the production. This performance will also feature quite possibly the largest continuo ensemble ever assembled in the Bay Area, which will include two lutes, three chitarroni, three baroque guitars, four baroque triple harps, two harpsichords, and organ. At the core of the instrumental ensemble is Galileo Project, a virtuoso ensemble originally from the Southwest and new to the Bay Area. Nina Treadwell, an esteemed lutenist, musicologist, and professor at UC Santa Cruz, is also an authority on Renaissance spectacle, and has graciously consented to be my musical assistant for this event.
The Sylvan and Oceanic Delights of Posilipo will be performed on Friday, May 4, 7:30 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church (Haver Hall) in Berkeley. This event is also a benefit for MusicSources and will feature complimentary, wine, sangria and antipasti. There is limited seating, and tickets are selling quickly. For more details and an invitation, please contact us at 510-528-1685 or email info@musicsources.org.