b'Program NotesGeorg MuffatPassacaglia from Armonico Tributo, Sonata No. 5Georg Muffat was born in France of Scottish ancestry, but considered himself to be German. Taught by Lully and inspired by Corelli, he sought to combine French, Italian, and German styles in his music. Muffats European travels took him to Paris, Alsace, Bavaria, Vienna, Prague, Salzburg, Passau, and Rome, where he wrote the five sonatas of Armonico Tributo, published in Salzburg in 1682. The entire set ends with this magnificent Passacaglia, comprising 25 variations on a ground bassa repeated bass-line theme, also known as ostinato (the Italian word for obstinate!). Although the Buskaid Ensemble does not have access to bows and instruments of the period, its musicians are trained to produce a similar sound palette, using bow articulations, swung rhythms, and very sparing vibratoto which they respond with an almost intuitive understanding of the style of the music. Ralph Vaughan WilliamsThe Lark AscendingAs befits a work which has topped the UKs Classic FM listenership polls for years on end, the internet abounds with words written about this hauntingly beautiful piece of very English music. I have quoted from (and adapted) some of the program notes to be found there. If like me, you find this music utterly enchantingalmost addictiveI heartily recommend a visit to YouTube to browse the many versions to be found there, including some historic rarities.As another rarity in the making, this performance must surely be the first in Africa featuring a young African violinist.In The Lark Ascending, Vaughan Williams found inspiration not only in English folk themes but in a poem by the English poet George Meredith (1828-1909). The composer included this portion of Merediths poem on the flyleaf of the published work:princetonsymphony.org/ 12'