Two days of study and experimentation on the theme : The continuo at the Paris Opera (1669-1791): sources and practices will take place on 30 and 31 March 2026, at the Centre de Musique Baroque de Versailles.
https://cmbv.fr/en/events/continuo-fren ... -practices
The aim is to present the current state of research and knowledge, but also to engage in collective experimentation among professionals, drawing on sources such as the separate sections from the 17th and 18th centuries preserved at the Opera Library and originating from the historical collection of the Royal Academy of Music.
The first day (10am. to 6pm.), which will be more theoretical, will consist of presentations on various topics, punctuated by discussions with the audience:
- Update on the state of research; presentation of the Opera's collection of separate parts and links to the institution's archives; retrospective of performance practice projects on the subject (Benoît Dratwicki)
- The continuo in court performances before opera (Thomas Leconte)
- Accompaniment at the Paris Opera: putting an end to basso continuo (Julien Dubruque)
- Plucked strings: instruments and uses (Manuel de Grange)
- The double bass in the small choir of the Opera (Michael Greenberg)
- Harmonic accompaniment on the viola (Martin Bauer)
- Harmonic accompaniment on the cello (Hilary Metzger and Valentin Bajou)
- The question of fingering and performance on the harpsichord (Élisabeth Geiger and Loris Barrucand)
The second day (10am-6pm) will be devoted to practical experimentation, providing an opportunity to test the game using period instruments, historical instrumentation and arrangements, and recreating some of the practices of the time.
Discussions will mainly be in French, but may be supplemented in English if necessary.
If you are interested, we would be delighted to have you join us, ideally for both days. Inscriptions and informations : recherche@cmbv.fr
Please kindly note that this event is for professionals only.