Johan Helmich Roman, a Swedish composer, studied in London where he encountered Handel, and later became court Kapellmeister in Sweden.
Composition History
Johan Helmich Roman's "Golovin Music" was composed for a banquet in Stockholm in 1728, celebrating the coronation of the 12-year-old Russian Tsar Peter II.
Compositional Technique
Roman's autograph manuscript for "Golovin Music" lacks specific instrumentation and tempo markings, leaving these decisions to the performers.
Historical Context
The composition of "Golovin Music" by a Swedish court musician for a Russian envoy was possible due to a peace treaty between Sweden and Russia in 1724, making the political situation less tense than usual.
Recording & Production
This album presents the first complete recording of Johan Helmich Roman's "Golovin Music."
Composer's Artistic Vision
Roman's "Golovin Music" is multicultural, moving effortlessly between Italian, French, English, German, and possibly even Swedish forms of expression.
Interpretation
The performers on this recording, Höör Barock and Dan Laurin, chose the instrumentation to emphasize character, create variation, and inspire other ensembles, a typical Baroque approach.
