What is Harmoniemusik?
'Harmonie' was used to describe a wind band from the middle of the eighteenth century, when composers were experimenting with the new 'modern' wind instruments.
Harmoniemusik provided social entertainment with widespread appeal. A trend started by the emperor in Vienna and other nobility with musicians as part of their household staff, its popularity extended to working class citizens. It was used as dinner music, as a way to enjoy the latest operas, was heard in taverns, on street corners, and at special events such as weddings. It remained popular from about 1760 to 1837.
Our instruments:
Circa Harmonie Boston performs music of Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, and their contemporaries on replicas of instruments that would have been familiar to the composers and audiences of that time.
Performer Biographies:
Diane Heffner
Richard Shaughnessy
Alison Gangler
John Aubrey
Elisabeth Axtell
Sally Merriman
Marilyn Boenau