Harmonies of Majesty: Music from the Court of King George III
When:
Thursday, May 22, 2025 7:00p -
8:30p
Thursday, May 22, 2025 7:00p -
8:30p
Where:
Lexington Historical Society
13 Depot Square
Lexington, MA 02420
Admission:
$28.52
Hosted by:
Categories:
History, Music, Shows
Event website:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/harmonies-of-majesty-music-from-the-court-of-king-george-iii-tickets-1337271126939?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
As radical and enlightened eighteenth-century politics and ideologies swept across the American Colonies, songs and ballads such as “Yankee Doodle”— originally sung by British military officers as a way to mock the sad state of the colonists and their army—gained familiarity in the revolutionary era musical consciousness. Conversely, in the private homes of colonial Loyalists and on the other side of the Atlantic at the court of King George III and Queen Charlotte, musical taste was still clinging to more formal classical traditions. Through a curated selection of works, this program of chamber music illuminates the rich tapestry of British music during a period of imperial challenge and transformation. Each composition offers a glimpse into the diverse musical expressions of the time amidst the challenges posed by the American colonies' fight for independence.
With the talents of period instrument specialists Adriane Post (violin), Renée Hemsing (viola), and Guy Fishman (cello), journey back to a time when music echoed the hopes, dreams, and conflicts of those loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolution. This "Tory Story" invites you to experience history through the emotive musical power of Handel, Haydn, and Mozart, the way that King George may have heard it, and celebrate the richness of cultural expression and the transformative impact of music during one of history's most defining moments.
