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PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Vauxhall Band has been given the opportunity to record an album with the renowned Deux-Elles label. The music curated is inspired by research on Bohemian basset horn players Franz Dworschack, Anton David and Vincent Springer, and their connections to composers in Vienna in the 1780s, at the height of the basset horn’s popularity there.

The trio came to London in 1791 and performed over 40 times at Vauxhall Gardens as concerto soloists. They also performed at the famous Haydn Salomon Concerts. Before arriving in London the trio toured Europe for 10 years and met Mozart in Vienna, who wrote music for them. Surprisingly, the trio are little known today, but were pioneers of the newly-invented basset horn and highly-esteemed performers. It’s a fascinating, unheard story to bring to light, which will create great interest, especially because of the trio’s connection with Mozart.

Our recording, titled The Vauxhall Band: Basset Horn Trio, is a celebration of the basset horn and the first ever to show a true picture of basset horn music (and the life of a freelance player!) in the 18th century. It will showcase the instrument’s versatility, encompassing its appearances in concertos, and orchestral and chamber music:

We’ll record Mozart’s solemn, beautiful Maurerische Trauermusik, which includes 3 basset horns and a clarinet, and Druschetzky’s Concerto for Three Basset Horns, with its lively Bohemian folk influences.

Also, Mozart’s Divertimento in C for basset horn trio, and the first ever recording of Hoffmeister’s Quartet for Clarinet & Strings in an amazing, unknown 18th-century arrangement for 2 clarinets, basset horn and bassoon.

In addition, Selva Romita e Oscura (2 sopranos, 3 basset horns, 2 horns) by Mozart’s friend and Italian opera inspiration Paisiello, and Mozart’s six Notturni (2 sopranos, bass, 3 basset horns/clarinets) which he composed as a ‘ghostwriter’ to help his young friend Gottfried von Jacquin impress the ladies.

We have a brilliant team of internationally-renowned musicians: Basset Horns/Clarinets Katherine Spencer, Sarah Thurlow and Fiona Mitchell; Bassoonist Chris Rawley; Lead Violinist/Director Matthew Truscott; Sopranos Grace Davidson and Julia Doyle; Bass Edward Grint; Horns Richard Bayliss and Martin Lawrence, plus 15 outstanding orchestral musicians.

The project is curated/facilitated by Artistic Director Laura Piras (supported by our Board of Trustees), Engineer Matthew Wadsworth (Deux-Elles) and Producer Andrew Storey (Principal 2nd Violin, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra). Tom Mungall will create videos from session filming.

Venue: All Saints’ Church, East Finchley
Dates: 3 Jan, 12, 13 & 17 Feb, 3–5 March

The recording will be promoted by Deux-Elles and The Vauxhall Band. It will enable us to introduce our music and research to individuals from a diverse demographic worldwide to enjoy and learn from, now and for many years to come, and inspire the next generation of musicians to learn a period instrument.