Flemish viola da gambist Thomas Baeté mixes a handful of spoken fragments with an eclectic programme of songs and solo viol music spanning nine centuries of musical reflections on solitude. Throughout the ages, artists have had an intense and sometimes troublesome rapport with solitude and loneliness. As much as they are attracted by the inspiration and concentration that solitude can provide, they have an equal urge to run away from this exclusion and loneliness.

Musicians especially lead lives that involve many solitary hours of practice and lonely miles on the road, along with intense engagement with other musicians and with audiences. For the 12th Century troubadour, the absence and unapproachability of the beloved is the very motor of his art.

Baroque composer Henry Purcell was so inspired by the poet Katherine Philips’ eulogy O Solitude that he composed one of his most hauntingly beautiful melodies to her words.

M.de Sainte Colombe built a cabin in a mulberry tree so that he could practice away from the noise and crowds of 17th Century Paris.

On Solitude is a reflection by Thomas Baeté on the Covid isolation measures of 2020/22.

Tickets €20 (Concession €15) available from:

https://www.musicinkilkenny.org/events/thomas-baete-solo-show-on-solitude

or on the door.