In music history, numerous instrumental works—regardless of whether they are called suites, fantasias, sonatas, or symphonies—often have a clear connection to dance or exhibit a distinctly dance-like character. Many so-called classical compositions also draw on folkloric elements or originate from the folk music of specific regions.
Under the title "Saltarello"—a lively Italian dance in 3/4 time that originated in the 14th century and has remained a popular folk dance to this day—violinist Garth Knox interweaves musical pieces from the 12th century to the present. In doing so, he illustrates how blurred and sometimes even arbitrary the boundaries between folk and art music, as well as between early and contemporary music, can be.
Together with cellist Agnès Vesterman and percussionist Sylvain Lemêtre, Knox juxtaposes his own compositions with works by Hildegard von Bingen. He blends the sophisticated Renaissance sounds of John Dowland with compositions by Kaija Saariaho, which subtly incorporate electronic elements. He contrasts traditional melodies and anonymous dances with Vivaldi's Concerto for Viola d'amore in D minor – creating a sensual musical journey through a millennium of music history.