Seasonal concert features songs from 1700s

Michel Corrette, a prolific composer, music publisher and performer, associated with several churches in Paris in the 1700s. Submitted photo

Three seasonal pieces from Paris of the early 1700s will be performed by a string quartet plus organ at the Oasis of Music beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 22, at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Lewiston.

This music was composed by Michel Corrette, a prolific composer, music publisher and performer, associated with several churches in the Paris of his day. The pieces are each called Noels, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, and are made up of contrasting sections with many variations. Many of the tunes are from carols popular in Corrette’s time, making an interesting stylistic mix of folk and baroque music.

Performing these pieces will be violinists Greg and Jessie Boardman and violist Linda Vallaincourt, with Mark Nordberg – who also researched and transcribed the music for this event – on viola da gamba and organist Scott Vaillancourt.

The Oasis of Music is a weekly music series of performances of roughly thirty minutes, running from September to May. Admission is free, with donations accepted. The musical genres vary greatly, in largely, but not exclusively, acoustic formats. COVID restrictions of optional mask-wearing and social distancing are observed. The concerts are held in the downstairs chapel. For more information, call 207-344-3106.