Back in the Lot department, this time at the twelfth-century Eglise Saint-Laurent in Les Arques, and, for the second time recently, a concert by ‘Les Passions’, the Orchestre Baroque de Montauban. On this occasion, soloists from the orchestra provided a very enjoyable evening of Baroque concerti.

Orchestra leader Jean-Marc Andrieu, playing recorder, was accompanied by Flavio Losco, violin, Xavier Miquel, oboe, Etienne Mangot, cello, Laurent Le Chenadec, bassoon, and Yvan Garcia on harpsichord.

Jean-Marc Andrieu (left) with soloists from Les Passions

The concert began with two works by French composer Joseph Bodin de Boismortier: ‘Concerto in E minor for recorder, oboe, bassoon, violin and basso continuo’, and ‘Concerto in D major for cello, strings and basso continuo’. Both were new to me; they were very well performed and they provided a pleasant start to the evening.

They were followed by the ‘Chaconne’ by Henry Purcell from his semi-opera ‘King Arthur’ which was played with great enthusiasm and energy. Johann Christian Bach’s ‘Quintet in D major’ was also very well performed, especially by the recorder and oboe sharing the treble part. Excellent playing from the harpsichord ensured an extremely entertaining interpretation.

The concert really came to life with Telemann’s ‘Concerto in A minor’, with flamboyant playing from all, especially from the violin in the ‘vivace’ fourth movement – a very lively and joyful performance. The evening finished with Vivaldi’s ‘Concerto in G minor’ which was perfectly executed, especially by the oboe and bassoon, which were both played with great vituosity.

Joseph Bodin de Boismortier: ‘Concerto in E minor for recorder, oboe, bassoon, violin and basso continuo’, opus 37 no. 6
Joseph Bodin de Boismortier: ‘Concerto in D major for cello, strings and basso continuo’
Henry Purcell : ‘Chaconne’, from King Arthur
Johann Christian Bach: ‘Quintet in D major for recorder, violin, oboe, cello and obbligato harpsichord’, opus 22 no. 1, W B76
Georg Philipp Telemann: ‘Concerto in A minor for flute recorder, oboe, bassoon, violin and basso continuo’
Antonio Vivaldi: ‘Concerto in G minor for recorder, oboe, bassoon, violin and basso continuo’, RV107