Four Nations Ensemble

Did you know the author of the Declaration of Independence was a passionate music lover? The Four Nations Ensemble’s program explores the musical world of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, culminating in a performance of Pergolesi’s masterful Stabat Mater, a revered Jefferson favorite. “We know that Jefferson was a passionate music lover and violinist. He amassed a library that became the backbone of the Library of Congress’ music collection and his taste, though terribly conservative, included the masterworks of the early 18th century, including chamber music of Handel, Vivaldi and Corelli as well as Pergolesi’s influential Stabat Mater for two voices and strings. But America did not follow Jefferson’s conservative tastes and concert programs from Boston to Charleston presented music fresh from the pens of Pleyel, Haydn, and John Frederick Peter, America’s first professional composer. Four Nations’ program presents the musical tastes from Moravians to Merchants.” Andrew Appel Four Nations Ensemble, Artistic Director PROGRAM John Frederick Peter | Quintet for 2 Violins, 2 Violas and Cello No. 1 in D major Allegro con brio Andante amoroso Allegro brillante Antonio Vivaldi | Folia Andante amoroso Allegro brillante Ignace Playel | Quartet for Flute and Strings, Op. 18, No. 1 Giovanni Battista Pergolesi | Stabat Mater The Four Nations Ensemble Founded in 1986, The Four Nations Ensemble brings together soloists, frontrunners from several generations, who are leading exponents of period instrument and vocal performance. With a core ensemble of soprano, harpsichord or fortepiano, violin, flute, and cello, Four Nations’ repertory runs from the Renaissance through Viennese Classical masterpieces of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. Through their innovative programming over four decades, they have developed a diverse audience and are a leading presence on the early music scene, performing at major houses and festivals including The Boston Early Music Festival, New York's Mostly Mozart, The Kennedy Center, Amherst Festival, New Haven's International Festival of Arts & Ideas, Maverick Concerts in New York, Chautauqua, The Indiana Early Music Festival, and Brasilseguridade in Rio de Janeiro. Due to the possibility of unforeseen circumstances, program and artists are subject to change.