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Florid Spirit: Carlo G and the Vibrance of Italian Improvisation.

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Filigree webChristina Kay ~ soprano
Kim Leeds ~ mezzo-soprano
Dani Zanuttini-Frank ~ lutenist

Singers of the Renaissance and Baroque would frequently embellish in performance as a way of enlivening melody and poetry. Filigree delves into ornamentation and improvisation through the lens of the recently rediscovered Carlo G Manuscript — a treasure trove of highly ornamented early Baroque solos and duets — infusing works by Monteverdi, Frescobaldi, and Strozzi with the same stylistic fervor.

More about Carlo G: The early 17th century Carlo G manuscript is named after its author, whose last name is too smudged to decipher. The manuscript is full of vocal solos and duets with written out ornamentation, a treasure trove of stylistic examples from the period. Filigree draws inspiration from Carlo G’s music and infuses songs by other early Baroque composers with the same stylistic fervor. 

Founded by singers Christina Kay and Kim Leeds, Filigree is a New England-based ensemble that enriches modern historical performance by pushing the boundaries of improvised ornamentation, rhetorical drama, and creative programming to reshape the modern concert experience. In addition to enlivening music from past eras, Filigree blurs the lines of old music and new, and takes more liberties with the written music on the page, making every performance a unique, exciting and joyful experience.

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1:15–2:00 pm
All concerts are free; no tickets or reservations are necessary.

In person at St. Malachy's Church, 239 West 49th Street, Manhattan

Live stream details: You can watch it on your computer in any of two places by clicking on the name you wish: our website or YouTube.

Midtown Concerts sponsors lunchtime performances of music of the 18th century and earlier. Ensembles are chosen by a panel of early music specialists from the metropolitan area.

Time: Thursdays, 1:15–2:00 pm
All concerts are free; no tickets or reservations are necessary.

Concerts are in person at St. Malachy's Church, 239 West 49th Street, Manhattan, AND live streamed.