Venice, whose wealth and refinement of musical traditions dates back to the Middle Ages, attracted and inspired outstanding artists from all over Europe. The charm of the Most Serene Republic also captivated one of the most sought-after composers of the 18th century – Johann Adolf Hasse. He visited it multiple times, and in 1733 he settled there permanently. Among the works signed with his name – alongside the sublime drammi per musica – a few simple songs intended for Venetian gondoliers have survived. They were included in a widely distributed publication by the English publisher John Walsh, who printed them in the 1740s under the catchy title Venetian Ballads composed by Mr. Hasse and the famous Italian masters (Venetian Ballad’s Compos’d by Sigr. Hasse And all the Celebrated Italian Masters). It is difficult today to ascertain whether the melodies marked with Hasse's name truly came from the pen of the Divine Saxon, as he himself admitted that due to the vast number of works he had written, he would have trouble recognizing all of his own compositions. However, there is no doubt that the love verses and beautiful melodies evoke the mysterious atmosphere of charming streets, canals, and bridges that continue to delight visitors to this day.

During the concert, purely instrumental works by baroque masters will also be performed – Hasse's predecessor as the Kapellmeister of the Saxon court in Dresden, Jan Dismas Zelenka, a lover and promoter of the Polish style in music, Georg Philipp Telemann, and the incomparable Georg Friedrich Handel.

◆ PROGRAM ◆

J. D. Zelenka – Sinfonia concertante a 8, ZWV 189
Sinfonia

J. A. Hasse – Venetian Ballads:
Grazie a gl’inganni tuoi
Perdonami o cara
Sento un dolce soffiretto

G. Ph. Telemann – Concerto a 7
Adagio / Allegro / Affettuoso / Allegro

J. A. Hasse – Venetian Ballads:
Amor gia’ che son colto
Se mi t’adoro
Chi non crede

G. F. Handel – Concerto grosso g-minor, HWV 324
Larghetto e affettuoso / A tempo giusto / Musette / Allegro / Allegro

◆ PERFORMERS ◆

MARTA BOBERSKA soprano
JUSTYNA STĘPIEŃ soprano
THE EARLY INSTRUMENTS ENSEMBLE OF THE ROYAL POLISH OPERA CAPELLA REGIA POLONA
KRZYSZTOF GARSTKA harpsichord, conductor
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📍Palace on the Isle at the Royal Łazienki Museum in Warsaw
Duration: approx. 60 min
Seating is unnumbered.

If you have any questions, we are available on-site at the event or by phone 📞+48 500 309 424 from Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.