Table Music

Banchetto musicale...

The tradition of celebrating festivie occasions with a concert before or after a good dinner with food and wine is known far back in history. Table music has been widespread among kings, the nobility, commoners, and peasants. Today many still appreciate this tradition at private parties.

Christoforo di Messisbugo, a famous cook at the court of the Dukes of Ferrara in Italy around 1550, wrote a cookbook in which he not only gave 315 different recipes, but also in great detail described dance and theatre, and also which wines should be served and what music should be played before, during, and after the celebration. Other sources give us colourful descriptions of the exuberant feasts that took place e.g. during the reign of King Christian the 4th in Denmark.

Historical dishes and culture from the Antique, Medieval, Baroque & Rococo og 1800s: www.taccuinistorici.it

Many composers have written special table music, among others Mozart, Telemann, and Bach, who even wrote a "Coffee Cantata". At the end of the 1800s it was very popular with salon music by e.g. the Strauss brothers in Vienna and H. C. Lumbye in Denmark.

I should be pleased to make up a suitable programme and ensemble according to your wish. At weddings I am also offering to perform at the church. The Manor House Museum of Selsø Castle is pleased to let out its manor house kitchen for such arrangements.

To make an arrangement concerning the above events please see contact.