#ClassicsaDay #ClassicalBubble Week 3

This month's Classics a Day theme follows a trend. In May 2020 we were sheltering in place. The theme was #ClassicalDistancing -- music for unusual solo instruments best played at home. In June, social bubbles were allowed, and so the theme #ClassicalBubble called for duos. Again, for unusual instruments best played at home.

This month we ease the restrictions even further with a theme of trios. Trios for unusual instruments etc., etc. Here are my selections for the third week of the expanded #ClassicalBubble taking time off for Labor Day, of course).

09/14/20 Thielman Susato - Die view Branlen

The Renaissance crumhorn was a family of instruments. It came in varying sizes and ranges.

09/15/20 Michel Corrette - Sonata No. 1, Op. 20

The serpent was invented around 1590 and was popular throughout the 1700s in both orchestra and military bands.

09/16/20 Ludwig Milde - Scherzo for Ophicleide trio

The Ophicleide was invented in 1817 as a serpent with keys. It was used mainly in the 19th Century. It was especially popular with French composers.

09/17/20 Peter Schickele Serenade for Three

In this case, the three are piano, violin -- and clarinet. The combination is unusual, but then, so's the music.

09/18/20 Benedetto Marcello (1686-1739) Trio Sonata in C minor for viola da gamba, cello, and basso continuo

The viola da gamba was popular from about the 1450s through the 1750s. By the early 1700s, the cello had begun replacing it in ensembles.