Concert Series Instruments
The St. Ann’s Kennebunkport Concerts provide a unique opportunity to experience the music that was popular in American capitals and courts of Europe at the time of Maine’s statehood. The concerts will be recreating the moment that the music was written, on period instruments that these composers would have played.
Fortepiano
A fortepiano is an early piano. In principle, the word “fortepiano” can designate any piano dating from the invention of the instrument by Bartolomeo Cristofori around 1700 up to the early 19th century.
Read more…
Harpsichord
Unlike a fortepiano or modern piano that users hammers to strike strings, the keyboard on a harpsichord activates a row of levers that turn a trigger mechanism that plucks the strings with a small plectrum made from quill or plastic.
Read more…
Baroque Violin
A Baroque violin is a violin set up in the manner of the baroque period of music. The term includes original instruments which have survived unmodified since the Baroque period as well as later instruments adjusted to the baroque setup, and modern replicas.
Read more…
Viola
The viola is a string instrument that is bowed or played with varying techniques. It is slightly larger than a violin and has a lower and deeper sound. Since the 18th century, it has been the middle or alto voice…
Read more…
Baroque Cello
The Baroque cello or violoncello is a bowed (and occasionally plucked) string instrument of the violin family. The cello often plays the bass part, both in chamber music such as string quartets…
Read more…
Violone
The Violone, a forerunner of the modern double bass, is the largest and lowest-pitched bowed, (or plucked) instrument in the string section.
Read more…
Classical Oboe
The oboe is a type of double reed woodwind instrument. Today, the oboe is commonly used as orchestral or solo instrument in symphony orchestras…
Read more…
Baroque Flute
The baroque era traverse flute – made of wood and lacking keys – is often referred to by an Italian name, “traverso,” to distinguish it from modern concert flutes.
Read more…
Natural Trumpet
The natural trumpet was originally used as a military instrument to facilitate communication (e.g. break camp, retreat, etc.). Even before the late Baroque period the natural trumpet had been accepted into Western music.
Read more…