The Barrus Concert Hall is going back in time to 17th and 18th century Germany in the upcoming Baroque Ensemble concert.
With pieces from German composers, the ensemble will showcase the Baroque style using instruments replicating those from the 17th century. The students will play pieces from Bach, Handel, Pachelbel and Telemann. Ensemble director Dr. Robert Tueller says the students must adjust their technique to learn the different styles of instruments.
“Instead of a regular violin style instrument, they use Baroque style violins, violas and cellos, and they use Baroque style harpsichord and organ as well,” Tueller said. “That's kind of unique for that group, and I think that’s unique for our region as well.”
Tueller, along with guest faculty performers Michael Shoaf and Dr. Daniel Kerr will play in the concert. He conducts the group in a nontraditional way, playing alongside his students. It’s a unique opportunity for him to be able to continue his passion for Baroque.
“Not every university does an ensemble like this that is dedicated to performing early music on early instruments,” Tueller said. “We're pretty lucky to have the opportunity. Since it's a particular interest of mine, I did my doctoral work in it, it's very gratifying for me to be able to prepare the music.”
The concert is Thursday at 7:30 p.m. In the Barrus Concert Hall in the Snow Building on campus. Students began preparing for the concert at the beginning of the semester and have progressed within the Baroque style.
“I really encourage them to listen to really good performances, and that helps them have that sound in their ear,” Tueller said. “The other thing that's nice is that I have a lot of repeat students in that class. People get involved with and they like to take it over and over again. So, those students in the ensemble that are more experienced actually help the ones that are new in the ensemble as well.”
Tickets cost $8 and are found at tickets.byui.edu. Student discounts are also available.