DESDEMONA ENSEMBLE

Venetian Boat Songs

Style: the arias of 18th century “battello” or boat songs

Line up: one or two singers and ensemble varying from 4 to 8 components

Venetian Boat Songs represent one of the most fascinating chapters of Venetian music, so much so that in the first part of the 1700s they were printed and distributed throughout Europe. They involve mainly Serenades, Love Songs and Popular Arias which were meant to be performed from a gondola and often below the balcony of a beautiful lady.
The repertoire is ideal for concert entertainment, Gala Nights, and masquerade parties.

The Desdemona Ensemble performs with antique instruments so as to reproduce the velvety and luxurious sound which distinguished the Venetian musicians of the Baroque period. The Line up of the ensemble varies from the basic quartet to the complete ensemble of flute, oboe, 6 violins, 2 violas, violoncello, violin, archlute and harpsichord.