Tuesday, 19 September, 7 pm
Palace of the Grand Dukes, Katedros a. 4, Vilnius
The King’s Letters
Music from the Court of King Christian IV of Denmark
Blackguard (Denmark)
- Anna Maria Wierød – soprano
- Lene Langballe – corentto
- Julia Dagerfelt – violin
- Joakim Peterson – viola da gamba
- Marcus Strand – theorbo
- Gilbert Martinez – organ and direction
King Christian the IV of Denmark wrote more than 3,000 letters that are now preserved in the Royal Libraries in Copenhagen. These letters contain information about everyday existence during the Thirty Year's War, as well as court activity and more private discourse in the King’s love life.
Christian IV was a major figure in the later part of the Reformation, and was assigned the role of Defender of the Protestant Faith. He yielded a powerful influence not only on the Baltic but to all of the Lutheran princes throughout Germany. As such, he cultivated the arts and drew many foreign musicians to his court.
In their concert, the ensemble of Danish musicians tell of the King's love for his second wife, Kirsten Munk, beginning with the Royal Marriage and later ending with their divorce.
The performers feature music and readings that have a connection to the Royal Danish Court, including music of Mogens Pederson, Johann Schop, Søren Terkelsen, Thomas Simpson, Hans Leo Hassler, Heinrich Schütz, Michael Praetorius, and others.
