Johann Rosenmüller

Germany in the Light of Venice | Ensemble Temenos

From Leipzig to Venice, Johann Rosenmüller was one of the most original figures in the meeting of German and Italian musical traditions. His career in Germany came to an abrupt end in 1655; he then made his way to Venice, where a few years later he became a musician at St Mark’s and subsequently a composer at the Pietà.

In the Sonate da Camera of 1667, dances and sinfonias unfold in a succession of contrasts, while the Sonate à 2, 3, 4 e 5 stromenti da arco & altri of 1682 reveal a freer, contrapuntal and virtuosic style. Throughout these works, forms inherited from the German consort tradition expand and evolve, becoming increasingly imbued with the Italian instrumental idiom. In the five-part works, two violins, two inner parts and a bass create a dense, shimmering texture, supported by a rich continuo.

Gravitas and sensuality, contrapuntal mastery and the brilliance of the violin come together in music of extraordinary richness, shaped by a highly individual sense of contrast, colour and movement.

We invite you to enter this distinctive world, where the gravity of the North meets the light of Venice. Beneath the richness of the counterpoint, dance, movement and a remarkable freedom of expression constantly emerge: rare, generous and deeply vibrant music that deserves to be rediscovered today.

Ensemble Temenos
Alice Julien-Laferrière and Minori Deguchi, violins
Bettina Ruchti and Mathurin Bouny, violas
Carles Dorador, theorbo
Cecilia Knudtsen, viola da gamba
Hadrien Jourdan, organ and harpsichord

Programme
Sinfonia 1 in F major
Sonate XI in D major
Sinfonia 4 in G minor
Sonata I in G minor
Sinfonia 2 in D major
Sonata seconda in E minor
Sonata VII in D minor
Sonata IX in D major

Wednesday 7 October 2026 at 8 pm — Temple de St-Gervais, Geneva
Information: https://www.lesconcerts.ch/Concerts/2026/Rosenmuller/Rosenmuller-26.html