Crown Jewels: About the Program

By Martie Perry

Imagine for a moment that you are standing inside the historic vault of a royal palace during the baroque period. You are in the castle of Dresden, Germany. It is a zenith of splendor unlike anything your eyes have ever seen. On display are the most spectacular and opulent treasures. Your eyes behold jewelry with the most brilliant and colorful glittering gems, including some of the largest diamonds in the world. Here, all that sparkles is so much more than gold. This lavish collection was founded by Augustus II (1670-1733), the Elector of Saxony, King of Poland, and the Grand Duke of Lithuania. He was known as Augustus the Strong, and he was not only a gatherer of sumptuous objects, but also of the most magnificently talented musicians in Europe.

Now, also conjure in your visualization an orchestra created by this same monarch. Like priceless jewels, his musicians were the finest players of the day, unrivaled in their virtuosity. Many of these geniuses are also some of the greatest composers. Augustus the Strong’s ensemble earned an international reputation, making Dresden (known as “The Florence of the Elbe”) the predominant and scintillating center of music and arts in 17th and 18th-Century Germany. This Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra program celebrates these gifted musicians in Dresden at this time, and their exceptional music. Works for strings, oboes, and horns by Johann David Heinichen, Jan Dismas Zelenka, Johann Georg Pisendel, and Johann Adolph Hasse will be featured in a dazzling display of cosmopolitan richness, highlighting the blended French and Italian styles that was so prevalent in Dresden court music.