Discover a world of late Baroque brilliance with two masterful works that redefine the relationship between the violin and the keyboard.

Violinist Stephen Redfield and Director of Cathedral Music Maxine Thévenot pair up for a Pop-Up Concert at The Cathedral of St. John.
11:30AM - 11:55AM in the nave space.
Please enter via the east-facing parking lot doors. Free-will offering at the door.
The monthly Requiem service follows in the Chapel.
All are welcome!

This curated selection pairs the fiery French innovation of Jean-Joseph de Mondonville with the intricate, evolving counterpoint of Johann Sebastian Bach. Together, these sonatas offer a fascinating glimpse into a musical era transitioning from rigid traditions to expressive, conversational virtuosity.

Jean-Joseph de Mondonville: Violin Sonata in G minor, Op. 3, No. 1. Mondonville’s Pièces de clavecin en sonates avec accompagnement de violon represent a revolutionary moment in French Baroque music. Rather than relegating the keyboard to a simple supporting role, Mondonville places the harpsichord firmly at the center of the texture, treating the violin as an equal, highly expressive dialogue partner. Written in the dramatic and turbulent key of G minor, this sonata blends French elegance with Italian-inspired virtuosity, featuring vivid textures, driving rhythms, and a striking sense of theatrical flair.

Johann Sebastian Bach: Violin Sonata in G major, BWV 1019c. The Sonata in G major, BWV 1019c, offers a rare and captivating look into Bach’s creative process. Closely tied to his famous six sonatas for violin and obbligato harpsichord, this version—particularly its distinct movement configurations from earlier variants—showcases Bach at his most inventive. Moving far beyond the standard trio sonata format, Bach crafts a deeply integrated texture where the violin and both hands of the keyboard player weave a rich, three-part polyphony. The music dances with joyful energy, seamless contrapuntal mastery, and a profound, radiant warmth.