Projects
Castrucci
complete Concerti grossi
Following a two-year period, researching original sources in collections including The British Library, we've chosen to focus on the extraordinary concertos of violinist Pietro Castrucci. This dynamic, virtuoso musician, who studied with Corelli before emigrating to London, led Handel’s orchestra from 1718, publishing his collection of twelve dazzling concerti in 1736.
Following on from our Delphian debut; The Taste of the Nation (2020), we're returning to the vibrant sound-world of 18th Cenutry London, making our first ever double-disc, the first time these works have been recorded complete.
Believed to be the ‘Enraged Musician’ depicted in Hogarth’s famous print, Castrucci was a champion of the Italian concerto-style, often performing his works alongside those of Corelli and Geminiani. Throughout the Opus 3 concerti, his musical debt to Corelli is beautifully combined with a bold personal style, producing a kaleidoscopic collection of fabulous works deserving to be far better known.
The project is generously supported by Continuo Foundation, Angel Early Music and the Golsoncott Foundation.
We’re also extremely grateful to all our album subscribers, without whom this project would not have been possible: Dr Andrew Pink, Harriet Feilding, Ben Moore, Steven Devine, Hugh Rosenbaum, Robert Mealy, Rev. Marja Flipse, John Birks, Ghislaine Fournigault, Fabian Farkas, Bill Tuck, Berndt Andersson, Nicola Barbagli, Ashley Russell and Bojan Čičić
The Leipzig Legacy
Wiltshire Music Centre – 5th November 2025, 19.30
London Fesival of Baroque Music, Smith Square Hall – 7th November 2025, 19.00
"Led vivaciously by violinist Kinga Ujszászi" (The Times), period adventurers Spiritato explore the creative impact of Leipzig’s musical world on the works of JS Bach and his rarely heard contemporaries.
In this energetic instrumental programme featuring innovative, daring and virtuosic music from three of the late Baroque’s most inventive composers, Spiritato bring together an entire orchestra of dynamic soloists for their debut at the London Festival of Baroque Music.
The project also marks a triumphant return to Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford-on-Avon. Building on the group’s efforts to build audiences for Early Music in the area, with their Taste of the Nation (2020) and Inspiring Bach (2022) performances.
Connected by their experiences in one of 18th Century Europe’s leading centres for music, Bach, Graupner and Fasch pioneered an orchestral style that would ultimately pave the way for the Classical period. With lively dances and elegant melodies, including Bach’s much-loved Air on the G string, this is a feast of orchestral music, crowned with the glorious sound of trumpets and drums.
[Spiritato’s] energetic, dynamic and high-quality performance really engaged our audience. The group are true ambassadors for inventive and engaging programming… They deliver their music with an infectious enthusiasm and gave a thrilling performance.’
James Slater, Director, Wiltshire Music Centre
JF Fasch: Concerto in D major for 3 trumpets, 4mpani, 2 oboes, violin and strings
JS Bach: Orchestral Suite no. 2 (early version in A minor) (BWV 1067)
C Graupner: Overture Suite in D major (GWV 420)
-INTERVAL-
JS Bach: Sinfonia (BWV 1045)
JF Fasch: Sonata in D minor for 2 violins, viola & basso con4nuo (FWV N:d3)
JS Bach: Orchestral Suite no. 3 (BWV 1068
Music to her Majestie
Odes for the last Stuart
Painting a unique portrait of a remarkable monarch, Spiritato, lutenist Elizabeth Kenny and a crack team of soloists explore exquisite works dedicated to the last Stuart. Often overlooked, Queen Anne was the last great Patroness of Arts and oversaw both the end of the Restoration and the arrival of a new, virtuosic Italian style.
Beginning with Purcell’s beautiful music for her wedding as a young princess, via the modern premiere of John Eccles’ lyrical Inspire Us Genius of the Day, full of hope for Britain’s new Queen in 1703, to Handel’s glowing ode for her birthday of 1713, his masterpiece; Eternal Source of Light Divine. Each work features the finest composer and leading poet of the day and shines a light on two decades of politics and power at the dawn of the 18th Century.
Our programme:
H Purcell – From Hardy Climes and Dangerous Toils of War
J Eccles – Inspire Us Genius of the Day
GF Handel – Eternal Source of Light Divine
Inspiring Bach
Inspiring Bach combines a revolutionary approach to Historically Informed Performance with a major new relationship. In October 2021 we collaborated for the first time with vocal ensemble The Marian Consort; ‘Enchantingly smooth ensemble ... spot on' ★★★★★The Scotsman, to explore a dazzling selection of cantatas by Pachelbel, Buxtehude and JC Bach.
Building on our pioneering Guts and Glory project, we used real natural trumpets and equal tension strings to create a series of filmed, live performances, workshops, public discussions and a UK tour. The project received performances at Stour Music, Lammermuir Festival, Brighton Early Music Festival, Wiltshire Music Centre and York Early Music Christmas Festival.
Our programme:
J Pachelbel – Gott sei uns gnädig
JC Bach – Ach daß ich Wassers genug hätte
J Pachelbel – Christ Lag in Todesbanden
S Knüpfer – Die Turteltaube lässt sich hören
JS Bach – Christ Lag in Todesbanden BWV4
D Buxtehude – Sonata a2
JC Bach – Es erhub sich ein Streit
These wonderful, moving and uplifting works were composed after the trauma of the Thirty Years war and have a remarkable resonance today. This is music from the very soul of the 17th Century, crowned with soaring melodies and the glorious sound of trumpets and drums.