Austrian composer Franz Joseph Haydn is most known for writing more than 100 symphonies in the 18th century. However, Haydn also wrote 175 compositions featuring a unique instrument: the baryton. The baryton is a string instrument similar to a cello in the front with six string that are bowed.
Meanwhile, a series of wire strings behind the neck enable the musician to pluck along as they bow the front. The sound is similar to harpsichord, but the instrument is a challenge to play. Durham-based classical troupe Mallarmé Chamber Players will team up with the Department of Music at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to showcase a historically-informed performance (HIP) called "Haydn's Baryton."
Host Frank Stasio talks with members of the Mallarmé Chamber Players about the history of the baryton and why it has experienced a resurrection among period-piece musicians. The group performs live in the studio with Brent Wissick andKenneth Slowik on baryton, Suzanne Roussoon viola and Stephanie Vialon cello. The performance takes place at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12 at the Kenan Rehearsal Hall at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
