melakan ReSonance

For two and a half centuries, between 1564 and 1815, the Manila galleons brought luxury goods such as spices and porcelains to America in exchange for silver, fostering cultural exchanges that shaped the identities and cultures of South-East Asia, Spain, and the Spanish Americas. Along this global trade route, people and music flowed freely, making for some surprising influences and results.

We present a selection of music that would have been heard at places along this journey from Madrid to Manila to Mexico. Music written for and favoured by Spanish monarchs of the Golden Age features heavily in our programme, such as Josquin’s chanson Mille regretz and Morales’ Missa Mille Regretz written for Emperor Charles V. Spanish-themed music also appears – the Bassadanza ‘La Spagna’ and Heinrich Isaac’s Missa La Spagna, as well as dance music from the guitar books of Gaspar Sanz and Santiago de Murcia, secular songs from the cancioneiros (song books), and harp dances from Lucas Ruiz de Ribayaz’ Luz y Norte collection of 1677. Naturally, there is music on a theme of sailing and exploration: the barzeletta ‘Ayo visto lo mappamundo’, Cornago’s Missa de Mappamundi based on it.

While not part of the Manila Galleon route, Portuguese Malacca was still linked to it, as Spain and Portugal shared resources and rulers from 1580-1640, and cultural influences both ways were strong. In that way, music from the Spanish regions also resounded in Portuguese Malacca and the region.

Accompanied by period instruments such as renaissance and baroque guitars, viols, recorders, and percussion, Cappella Martialis will be pronouncing the texts as closely as possible to how they would have been performed in the 16th and 17th centuries, making for a musical time machine evening. Full texts and translations will be provided.

Making their Melakan debut, Concordia Quartet together with Howard Ng (oboe) and Dr Andrew Filmer (viola) will present a captivating program featuring the masterpieces of Mendelssohn, Mozart, and Dvorak. Bringing together musicians from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, “Joined in ReSonance” is a concert bringing together friends from across borders; to resonate in Melaka.

Kicking off our journey is Dvorak’s Viola Quintet in Eb major, Op.97, a masterpiece brimming with warmth and vitality. It was finished in less than two months, right after Dvorak finished writing his American String Quartet. Similar to the Quartet, the Quintet skillfully conveys the subtle nuances of Dvořák’s bohemian style, drawing influence from American inspirations.

Next on our musical odyssey is Mozart’s timeless Oboe Quartet in F major, K370. Experience Mozart’s intricate composition as the oboe takes centre stage, accompanied by the rich harmonies of the string ensemble. Mozart composed the quartet in order to show off the virtuosity and the improvements that had been made to the oboe at that time. Because of its large amount of virtuosic playing on the part of the oboe and the large degree to which the strings simply accompany the oboist, it almost resembles a concerto, but with only four players instead of an entire orchestra.

Lastly, the ensemble presents Mendelssohn’s evocative String Quartet in E minor, Op.44/2. The quartet begins with lyrical melodies before delving into a darting and playful Scherzo. The Finale then effortlessly transitions between contrasting materials and synthesises into an unstoppable flow of musical poetry.

Join us for an unforgettable experience, in the heart of the historical city. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a newcomer to the world of classical music, this program promises to delight and inspire.

Click here to reserve your seats now. All-access festival passes are available in limited quantity.

For more information, WhatsApp us at 011-1639 1641.