THE ART OF VARIATION: ACCADEMIA DE’ DISSONANTI Presented by the Arizona Early Music Society

Variations have been one of the most enduring musical forms and have inspired creativity from centuries of musicians as the limitations set by repeating forms paradoxically give way to unbound inventiveness. In “The Art of Variation,” Accademia de' Dissonanti presents an intriguing program of research, exploration, composition, and performance that corresponds to the most recent innovations in eighteenth-century performance practice. It is well known that most performers in the 18th century also composed, both for their own instruments and for the ensembles in which they worked, and that elements of improvisation and variation were an integral part of musical practice. This new program explores the Baroque art of variation through celebrated music by Corelli and Vivaldi as well as a new cello sonata by Elinor Frey.

Accademia de’ Dissonanti, founded in 2020, presents concerts, publications, and educational academies focused on historical performance and creative research under artistic director Elinor Frey. Named after a 17th-century Modenese society, the ensemble fosters musical exploration. They have toured Canada and performed at major festivals, including Montréal Chamber Music Festival and Festival Classica.

This concert is presented by the Arizona Early Music Society. Founded in 1982 by University of Arizona, Arizona Early Music is dedicated to enriching contemporary life with music of the past. AEM's series is internationally known for presenting world-class performances by specialists in historical performance from around the globe.