Work of the Week – Dobrinka Tabakova: Suite in Old Style

By Christopher Peter
6 Jan 2025

Dobrinka Tabakova with dark hair stands in front of a textured concrete wall. She wears a black jacket over a white t-shirt, holding sheet music and a green pencil in her hands. She looks calmly at the camera.

Dobrinka Tabakova’s Suite in Old Style will have its Czech premiere on January 10, 2025. The concert, titled “From Beethoven to the Present,” will be performed by Maxim Rysanov, viola, and the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Stefan Veselka at the Reduta Hall in Olomouc. This program highlights the seamless blend of classical tradition and contemporary creativity.

A Bridge Between Old and New

The Suite in Old Style is one of Dobrinka Tabakova’s most celebrated works. Inspired by the Baroque dance suite and the musical style of French composer Jean-Philippe Rameau, Tabakova beautifully bridges Early Music traditions with her distinctive modern voice.

Scenes of 18th-Century Life

Written for solo viola, harpsichord, and string orchestra, the suite consists of five movements. Each movement paints a snapshot of upper-class life in the 18th century, from elegant dances to lively scenes. With its dance-like rhythms and lyrical melodies, the viola takes center stage, telling stories of grace and timelessness.

Who is Dobrinka Tabakova?

Born in Bulgaria in 1980 and raised in the UK, Tabakova studied at the Royal Academy of Music and completed her PhD at King’s College London. Her music stands out for its clarity, elegance, and emotional resonance, often combining elements of Early Music with contemporary influences.

Why Listen to the Suite in Old Style?

This suite is a shining example of Tabakova’s stylistic brilliance. By honoring the Baroque tradition while remaining firmly modern, the work offers a unique listening experience for fans of both old and new music.

We Want to Hear From You!

What do you think of Dobrinka Tabakova’s blend of Baroque style and modern creativity? Share your thoughts with us and let us know your impressions of the Suite in Old Style!