GNACCHERE E PIFFARI
AN IMPROVISED FANTASIA FOR FLUTE AND DRUM
2 musicians. 20-90 minutes. 2026-
Gnacchere e Piffari is a bold and virtuosic dialogue between Medieval and Renaissance flute and percussion. This is an improvised concert program inspired by centuries of iconography featuring flutes and drums across Europe.
Performed by two specialists in early instrumental and folk music, this program explores the immediacy and poetic depth of these instruments through historical and traditional melodies, transformed in each moment with shimmering modal and rhythmic improvisation.
Gnacchere e Piffari proposes a tangible, immediate listening experience. This engaging duo program will appeal to a wide array of listeners: from experienced early music concertgoers, fans of experimental music and folk music, as well as young newcomers to the live music scene.
We aim to explore the artistic versatility of the flute and drum combination as a mirror of the many known-and-unknown historical contexts for the same type of duo. Rather than striving for pure reconstruction, Gnacchere e Piffari filters historical elements through the performer's and audience's intuition, offering something virtuosic, inclusive and fun.
2 musicians
MARA WINTER
Artistic direction, flutes, bagpipes
MASSIMILIANO DRAGONI
Medieval and Renaissance percussion, psalterio
MUSICAL CONTENT
Duration
The duration of the program is dependent on the performance context and wishes of our hosts. We can perform for 15 minutes, or for 90 minutes. We are also open to unconventional staging approaches: multiple performance sessions, collective movement, or interdisciplinary collaboration, for example.
Example program (subject to change)
La franchoise nouvelle Anonymous (16th c.)
Une fois avant que morir Anonymous (late-15th c.)
Bassadanza Cara Cossa Anonymous (15th c.)
Polka de Le Quartier/Julia Delaney (French/Acadian traditional)
Du pist mein hort Guillaume Dufay (15th c.)
Istanpitta Isabella Anonymous (late-14th c.)
La Tierche Estampie Roial Anonymous (14th c.)
Macklins brudmarsch, efter Gössa Anders (Swedish traditional)
Marchez la dureau (16th c.)
Bassadanza Il ferrarese (15th c.)
La danse de Ravestain (16th c.)
Valse à Pop (Cajun traditional)
An Giorra San Arbhar/Port Phádraig Ui Chaoimh (Irish traditional)
Istanpitta Ghaetta Anonymous (late-14th c.)
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