We begin with music of expatriate contemporary South African composer Kevin Volans. Once a student of Karlheinz Stockhausen, Volans became associated with the Cologne School, a post-minimalist movement also known as The New Simplicity. The Kronos Quartet demonstrates his most unusual fusion of European and African idiom
The series of concerti grossi from Vivaldi's l'Estro Armonico continues, followed by some sonatas by Vivaldi's contemporary compatriot, Domenico Scarlatti.
Then it's off to early 20th century England where Gustav Holst's modal harmonies evoke the music of much earlier times.
We dance with Renaissance peasants of Hungary and Italy, and close with a complete performance of Giacomo Carissimi's oratorio, Jepthe, a tale of Old Testament warfare, conquest, and tragedy.
