Grand Tour at the University of Arkansas

On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, we had the pleasure of participating in the lecture-concert titled “Grand Tour: The Influence of Italy on 18th-Century Music”, held with the faculty and students of the University of Arkansas Rome Center, at the wonderful location of Palazzo Taverna.

The lecture, presented in a conversational format, was led by our Musical Director, Rocco Sbardella, who played the bass clarinet in a trio with Lodovico Bertuzzi on violin and Lucia Casinelli on flute.

An opportunity to share with American students the significance of Italian musical tradition.
Italy in the 1700s was a cradle of musical innovation, especially through opera and instrumental music. Thanks to the Grand Tour, young composers and musicians from all over Europe came into contact with Italian musical traditions, which had a profound influence on their works. The richness of Italian musical culture helped shape the European musical landscape of the 18th century, making Italy an artistic beacon for all of Europe.

The following pieces were performed during the lecture-concert:

• Antonio Vivaldi, Trio sonata, RV 84;
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Divertimento No. 3, KV 229;
• Franz Joseph Haydn, Divertimento No. 3, Hob.IV:8.

A special thanks to the University of Arkansas Rome Center for the warm welcome and for giving value and space to classical music.