Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Florence Harkness Memorial Chapel
Format: In-Person; Virtual
Admission: Free – Open to the Public
Watch: Livestream in Harkness Chapel
Program
La Ruse Mazarinique: The “Trick” of a Duple Meter Gigue
Gigue du Vieux Gaultier
J.-H. D'Anglebert (1629–1691)
Gigue "La Ruse Mazarinique" from Partita FbWV 613
J.J. Froberger (1616–1667)
Partita in E minor, BWV 830
J.S. Bach (1685–1750)
To most people, the concept of a Gigue in simple duple meter is a contradiction in terms. Gigues are almost invariably associated with a ternary beat division and “compound” meters – 6/8 or 12/8, for example. Yet pieces titled “Gigue” notated in duple meter with “simple” binary division appear in harpsichord repertoire from Johann Jakob Froberger to Johann Sebastian Bach and continue to puzzle performers and musicologists alike. Based on indirect evidence, I will argue that the duple meter notation of gigues most likely reflects a notational convention rather than a distinct genre. In most cases, what we might call “tripletization” of duple meter gigues provides a more stylistically appropriate and more musically satisfying interpretation – bringing these pieces into line with the idiomatic qualities historically associated with the genre.
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About the Artist
Mikhail Grazhdanov is a multi-keyboardist from Russia. Currently he is pursuing a DMA in historical performance at ӰƵ, where he studies with Peter Bennett (harpsichord), Francesca Brittan (fortepiano), and Jonathan Moyer (organ). His professional appearances include performances with the American Bach Soloists Academy, Cleveland State University production of Handel’s Acis and Galatea, CWRU HPP showcases at the Boston Early Music Festival and Early Music America Summit. As part of Duo CPE with soprano Andréa Walker, Mikhail was featured in the Emerging Artist Showcase at the Early Music America Summit 2024, and performed at the Early Music Seattle Spring Festival 2025. In the summer of 2024 he participated in two prestigious early music competitions: the 10th Jurow International Harpsichord Competition in Montreal (most promising semi finalist prize) and the Musique Antique Fortepiano Competition in Brugge (semifinals).
Venue
Florence Harkness Memorial Chapel (est. 1902) is known for its Tiffany stained-glass windows, soaring arches, and exquisite woodwork. The neo-Gothic structure, located on Mather Quad at ӰƵ (Cleveland, OH), commemorates the brief life of Florence Harkness Severance. The chapel offers a warm, intimate, and acoustically resonant space for Department of Music performances, lectures, and special events.
The CWRU Music Concert Series offers free concerts and student recitals in the stunning Harkness Chapel. These performances highlight the exceptional talents of CWRU students and faculty, providing the broader community with opportunities to enjoy high-quality live music in an intimate and historic setting.
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