Joseph Fort has produced some forty live stream talks on the history of particular pieces of music and their composers since the beginning of Lockdown. Hence we were delighted when he agreed to take time out of his very busy schedule to present a new series of three talks, created especially for Maiastra, to be broadcast over the coming months.

The aim of these Maiastra live streams is to focus on Beethoven and his quartets, so that when concerts do resume we can return to this music with a greater understanding of its history and some new ideas of musical features to listen out for in performances. Joe's first live stream talk, on Sunday July 26th, looked at Beethoven's early quartets, focusing particularly on Op. 18 No. 5, which was to have been performed at July's Maiastra concerts. It was a fascinating talk, with perfectly chosen passages of music which we could listen to, and learn from. Future live streams will travel into Beethoven's 'middle period', and then delve into his late quartets.

The great news is that if you missed this first talk from Joe it will be available for a month so that you can visit it at your leisure. just click on this link:

https://www.josephfort.co.uk/maiastra-live-stream

If, after listening to the talk, you feel inclined to make a donation to Maiastra, please visit the Maiastra website www.maiastra.org All donations will be much appreciated by both the Trustees of the charity and the musicians whom it aims to help.

Dr Joseph Fort is Director of the Chapel Choir and Lecturer in Music at King's College London. He grew up in West Clandon and is married to Rosalind Ventris, who has played in many Maiastra concerts. He is currently writing a book about Haydn and the minuet.

‍