Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Florence Harkness Memorial Chapel
Format: In-Person + Virtual
Admission: Free | Open to the Public
Watch: Livestream from Harkness Chapel
Program
A Sumptuous Feast: Ravishing Music from 18th-century France
When asked about favorite French composers, Couperin and Rameau immediately come to mind—standing at the very summit of French Baroque music, yet with styles that could not be more different.
Rameau dazzled with his dramatic operas, while Couperin’s genius shines in chamber music. The French Baroque sonata repertoire is vast, and Couperin enriches it with extraordinary layers, especially in the dances that take such a central role.
This program features one of Rameau’s remarkable Pièces de Clavecin en Concert, with the unusual instrumentation of harpsichord, violin, and viola da gamba—each given strikingly soloistic roles. Couperin is represented by the first of Les Nations, a brilliant example of his artistry, and by La Sultanne, a powerful work written for two violins and two violas da gamba.
As the “cream on the cake,” the concert concludes with a sparkling short cantata by Clérambault, scored for soprano, violin, flute, and basso continuo.
Performed By
Historical Performance Practice Program
- Baroque Chamber Ensembles
- Jaap ter Linden, director
- Parastoo Heidarinejad, graduate assistant
CWRU Music 2025–26 Concert Season
The ӰƵ Department of Music presents a wide range of concerts, recitals, and special events that showcase the talents of students, faculty, and guest artists. From classical masterworks to contemporary compositions, these performances highlight the creativity and excellence within CWRU’s vibrant music community. Open to the public, the series offers opportunities for audiences of all ages to experience inspiring live music and support the next generation of musicians and scholars.
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 performances and special events.
Health + Safety
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