European Union Baroque Orchestra & Lars Ulrik Mortensen
Constellatio Felix: Sun, Stars & Planets
The programme takes as its starting point the 300th anniversary of one of the most magnificent baroque spectacles ever staged: the Festival of the Planets (Constellatio Felix – Happy Constellation) celebrations that were held in Dresden in 1719 by King August the Strong to mark his son Frederick’s marriage to Archduchess Maria of Hapsburg. Constellatio Felix featured operas, balls and concerts and we know that composers including Handel, Telemann, Heinichen, Lotti and Zelenka participated in this month-long festival in honour of the planets. The works in the programme focus on the Sun (Lully Phaeton), Stars (Muffat Concerto Grosso Propitia Sydera – lucky stars) and Planets (written later, but very much on the theme, by Rameau with Entrées for Jupiter, Venus and Mercury).