The Original Sound of J. S. Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas: The Baroque Violin

4/26 2:00~4:00 p.m. (B102 Room)

Presenters: Martin Chiang and Shio Ohshita

Area of study: Early European Music

Abstract: Shakespeare once wrote in "Much Ado About Nothing" that the internal organs of sheep can make the soul of man come out of the body. The internal organs of sheep are gut strings on the baroque violin. We will explore the history of the violin from the Middle Age to baroque period, and know which ideal sound is J. S. Bach’s works written for.

The Gleam Ensemble is a young Taiwanese early music platform, which gives regularly concerts, historical dance seminars, presentations and especially early music education in Taiwan, translating as well early music sources to Chinese for Chinese speaking audiences. The ensemble was founded in 2019 by Taiwanese historical bassoon/organ player- Martin Chiang, Japanese baroque violinist- Shio Ohshita and Taiwanese violinist- Yi Chung Chen. The ensemble also works with modern instrument players on the approaching early music performance, and regularly invites musicians from abroad for concerts. ‘The Glæm’ refers to the “Chiaroscuro” and “Sfumato“ light contrasting techniques applied in Renaissance paintings, which is also a trademark of the photography of ensemble member Martin Chiang.