From his massive 1612 dance collection Terpsichore, Michael Praetorius’ La Volta is a high-energy Renaissance party-starter that practically demands you jump around. Modelled after the favourite dance of Queen Elizabeth I, this short and snappy tune is characterized by a ‘scandalous’ rhythm—shifting between 6/8 and 3/4 time—designed to make courtly couples leap and turn in a dizzying, joyous blur. This cheerful, brisk piece of musical sunshine proves 17th-century Germany definitely knew how to have a good time.
In this version Gareth is joined by Viennese flute virtuoso Jan Daxner. The duo creates an imaginative interpretation brimming with embellishments & whimsy, emulating the colourful character of La Volta.
Gareth Koch is an ARIA Award winning multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, guitar soloist, composer & songwriter. He has recorded an extensive catalogue across multiple genres for classical guitar, flamenco, original compositions, arrangements, medieval projects, ambient music, rock & song writing. He has appeared at major festivals within Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.
Gareth was born in Milan Italy into an artistic family. His father is the Australian novelist Christopher Koch, and his Lithuanian-born mother Irene is a piano graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. His early musical education began with piano and clarinet before entering the gifted youth music programme at the Mozarteum in Salzburg Austria. When his family moved to Spain Gareth fell under the spell of the guitar.
After graduation from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Gareth won scholarships to the Royal Conservatorium of Madrid and the Academy of Music in Vienna under Professor Konrad Ragossnig. From this point his career developed to include music teaching, recording, publishing and performing. His recent classical album ‘The Guitar Player’ received a coveted 5 Star review from the Sydney Morning Herald.
Gareth’s current projects have a world music and contemporary bias with classical overtones. His writing is increasingly focussed on the ethereal nature of music. Recent collaborations include ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Steve Kilbey (The Church) with whom he has released three albums.
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