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Amalgamas Ensemble

Programme

Four Centuries of Dance

The first half of this programme explores the expressive possibilities of the Baroque violin through works linked by dance forms and variation techniques.

It opens with a reflective Sarabanda attributed to Giuseppe Tartini, followed by three substantial compositions built on repeating bass patterns: Antonio Bertali’s Ciaccona in C major, Tomaso Antonio Vitali’s Ciaccona in G minor, and Nicola Matteis’s Diverse bizzarie sopra la vecchia sarabanda o pur ciaccona. In each work, a recurring harmonic framework supports a succession of increasingly inventive variations, showcasing the composers’ virtuosity, imagination, and expressive range.

The programme contrasts two approaches to Baroque violin performance. Bertali and Matteis are presented in a historically informed style, highlighting dance rhythms, rhetorical expression, and gesture, while Tartini and Vitali are interpreted through a Romantic tradition of sustained tone, vibrato, and lyrical phrasing, revealing contrasting expressive possibilities within the repertoire.

The second half centres on dance, beginning with the world premiere of Charlie Barber’s Danzas antiguas. Although contemporary, the work draws on historical dance models: Danza española combines lively counterpoint with changing metres; Pasacalle reimagines the recurring bass pattern through piano sonorities and Spanish-inflected melodies; Rumba explores Cuban rhythms and syncopation; and Terpsichore in Sneakers, inspired by Sally Banes’ study of post-modern dance, unites an ancient thirteen-beat rhythmic cycle with contemporary movement.

The programme concludes with works inspired by Spanish dance traditions and their influence across Europe. Manuel de Falla’s Pantomime evokes Andalusian colour and atmosphere, while Sarasate’s Zapateado transforms the percussive footwork of Spanish dance into dazzling violin virtuosity.

Ravel’s Pièce en forme de habanera reflects the migration of Spanish and Cuban rhythms into French music, and Bazzini’s La Ronde des Lutins brings the evening to a close with a whirlwind display of fantasy, movement, and technical brilliance. Together, these works reveal dance as a universal musical language, capable of crossing centuries, borders, and styles while remaining a powerful source of energy, imagination, and expression.

Giuseppe Tartini (1692–1770)	Sarabanda	5′
Antonio Bertali (1605–1669)	Ciaccona in C major	10’
Tomaso Antonio Vitali (1663–1745)	Ciaccona in G minor	10’
Nicola Matteis (ca. 1650–1714)	Diverse bizzarie sopra la vecchia sarabanda o pur ciaccona	10’
Charlie Barber (1949-)	Danzas antiguas for violin and piano (world premiere)	10′
Manuel de Falla (1876-1946) arr. Paul Kochanski	Pantomime (El Amor Brujo)	3′
Pablo de Sarasate (1844-1908)	Zapateado	4′
Maurice Ravel (1875-1937)	Pièce en forme de habanera	3′
Antonio Bazzini (1818-1897)	La Ronde des Lutins	5′

Biographies

Javier García Aranda

Born in Madrid, Javier is a violinist trained in Spain, France, and at the Royal College of Music in London, where he obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Musical Performance. He has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in Spain, France, and the United Kingdom, premiering works by Samuel Barber, A. Honegger, Charlie Barber, Peter Longworth, and Iñaki Estrada. In addition, he is an educator and music promoter in social contexts, collaborating with care homes and community centers.

Giordano Ferla

Born in Rome, Italy, Giordano began playing piano at an early age. He gained a place at the S. Cecilia Conservatoire in Rome at the age of 10 and later graduated from the Royal College of Music in London, and completed his postgraduate studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music. He has taken part in masterclasses with internationally renowned artists such as Peter Donohoe, Ian Jones, Dorian Leljak, Freddy Kempf, Jeremy Denk, Katia and Marielle Labeque, Tamara Stefanovich.

Together, Javier and Giordano bring artistic excellence, innovation, and social engagement, creating concerts that blend musical mastery with cultural and educational impact.

Audio

Giuseppe Tartini – Sarabanda

Maurice Ravel – Pièce en forme de habanera

G F Händel – Violin Sonata H. 371, Allegro

Max Reger – Suite in the Old Style, Op. 93, Allegro commodo

Ottorino Respighi – Aria

Video

A live performance by AMALGAMAS Ensemble at the “Music and Mysticism” Festival, in the Santo Cristo del Olivar Parish, Madrid. Music: G.F. Handel (1685-1759) Sonata HWV 371 – Allegro

Images

UK venues – June 2026

Performances

Sat	13.06.26	CARDIFF Wales, UK	St Edwards Church, Roath
Wed	17.06.26	MILTON KEYNES UK	Cornerstone City Church
Sun	21.06.26	HAMMERWOOD UK	Hammerwood Park

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