As it planned its tribute to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Tempesta di Mare reached all the way back to explore the American musical landscape that would have been heard around the time of the American Revolution. The music of the day reflected the varied traditions and backgrounds of those brought together by the cause of American Freedom, and the Philadelphia-based Baroque orchestra will share some of these sounds through its Soundtrack of Independence Festival, which runs May 7-21. The project brings together a number of artists and ensembles from the region for programs featuring the first American oratorio, complete with music by Handel, as well as marches, Scottish airs, dance tunes, harpsichord works and compositions by Francis Johnson, a free Black man and trumpeter extraordinaire.
A Tempo host Rachel Katz chats with Tempesta di Mare Co-founders and Co-directors Gwynn Roberts and Richard Stone about the festival.
