The programme entitled 'The Mirrors of Versailles' (Die Spiegel von Versailles) featured 'baroque splendour' from European courts: it began with Michel-Richard Delalande’s Premier Caprice and continued with his Concert de Trompettes. Thereafter we performed Johann Friedrich Fasch’s Concerto à tre chori, Philidor’s Marche de timbales, the Prelude from Charpentier’s Te Deum, and Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks [HWV 351]. 

Our wind and brass ensemble was arranged in three choirs and comprised a total of 9 trumpets, 12 oboes, 3 bassoons, and 3 contra bassoons, with 3 horns in the finale: I made so many wonderful new acquaintances during this large-scale project. I met so many interesting new acquaintances who were very warm and welcoming. One of those was Thomas Rink, a former librarian, who was so helpful: he looked through the proof copy of my book, offered very warm congratulations, and helped to check the German. 

I'd like to thank Johann Plietzsch for organising this ambitious and exciting project. 

Photo © Barocktrompeten Ensemble Berlin

As luck would have it, I was already in Halle at the start of this project: I managed to fit in this second project in the Halle Handel Festival after the wonderful performance of Handel’s Jephtha with Les Talens Lyriques.