On Sunday, March 21, Hamilton virtually welcomed classical cellist Elinor Frey to perform the 18th century cello sonatas of Giuseppe Clemente Dall’Abaco along with fellow cellist Andrea Stewart and archlutist Michel Angers from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m..

Before the concert began, Frey discussed her long relationship with Hamilton College and her involvement in the musical community of Central New York. She has previously performed at Hamilton’s Wellin Hall and other local venues. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, she could not perform on campus and recorded the concert from Montreal, Canada.

The concert featured music written by the 18th century Italian composer Giuseppe Clemente Dall’Abaco. The sonatas (which are rarely performed today) contain melodies influenced by Italian folk songs, while the slow movements reveal the cello’s natural tone to create a light and beautiful sound. Frey compared the sound of the sonatas to water brushing up against a boat.

Dall’Abaco, who came from a family of musicians, was influenced by the people around him and the many cities he resided in, leading him to establish a successful music career in London, Paris, Vienna and other European musical centers. He was appointed Concertmeister of Munich, Germany in 1715 and continued to compose for the French and Dutch courts as well until his retirement. Frey hoped to revitalize Dall’Abaco’s baroque musical style by performing it today. She added her own touch to the pieces by using her cello to imitate other instruments, creating texture in the music. This practice was unique to Frey’s performance of the sonatas and helped her understand Dall’Abaco’s own cello-playing style.

The College will be hosting another virtual concert this Saturday, April 3 at 7:30 p.m. over Zoom. This concert will feature clarinetist David Krakauer and pianist Kathleen Tagg, who will perform a mixed repertoire of classical, klezmer, and original music.