It's not often we get to hear music played on period instruments, but this weekend you have the chance to listen to five virtuoso works played on a cello that is more than 100 years old, and a fortepiano made in 1843.
"It's rather wonderful listening to these instruments, because we are listening to what they would have been doing 150 years ago," says Tauranga Musica president Barry Ward.
Douglas Mews will play the fortepiano joined by Robert Ibell on the cello to present a programme of classical and early romantic pieces by Beethoven, Mozart, Breval and Romberg. According to Mr Ward, Hammers & Horsehair presents a rich and varied programme.
"The virtuosity of Bréval's Sonata in G and Romberg's Grand Sonata in E-flat major is complemented by one of Mozart's best-loved piano sonatas, the playful and charming Sonata in C K330. Two works by Beethoven, the witty set of Twelve Variations on Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen and his Sonata for Piano and Cello Op 5 No 1, open and close the concert."
Mews studied organ and harpischord at University of Auckland and harpischord at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. Ibell has been a member of the NZSO, Aroha Quartet and Stroma.