Between the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth, this denomination indicated musical groups comprising a reduced number of instrumentalists who performed a repertoire based on opera fantasias, operetta, and easy-listening and dance music.
These musical formations were born in France, in the "Cafè-Chantant", public locales (cafés or restaurants) where clients were offered brief musical or artistic entertainment.
The success of the Concert-Café spread the world over and small orchestras were to be found everywhere, to amuse and entertain the public: In vogue cafés, pubs, hotels, cruise ships, bathing establishments and spa facilities, even in cinema theatres to provide a musical background for silent films. At a time when modern acoustic reproduction systems were as yet non-existent, these not only provided a form of entertainment but also served as a means of musical information propagation.
The SALON-ORCHESTER music group is composed of professional musicians who have been operating in the sector of cultured music.
In addition to recovering and, in some cases even restoring, period excerpts snatched from the claws of time stored in dusty attics of musty cellars, they have added the transcription of sound tracks and recent Italian and foreign songs, without ever abandoning the style and spirit of the Concert-Café, thus creating a sense of continuity.
Recent years have borne witness to an increasing interest toward this genre.
Many Managers, in addition to Concert Associations, Public and Private Administrations and prestigious Institutions have comprehended the importance and precious touch that a Concert-Café Orchestra can add to a gala event, a reception or a conference.
No less pleasant is the appearance of a small Orchestra in a public garden, square or terrace, to provide moments of leisure, be it a concert performance or background music for passers-by.
Particularly exquisite during wedding banquets, ceremonies, inaugurations.
Our instrumental composition
The base formation of the SALON-ORCHESTER comprises:
• Piano
• 2 Violins
• Violoncello
• Double bass
• Clarinet
This formation may be reduced to three-four elements, or broadened up to Orchestra dimensions with approximately ten elements.
Furthermore, a vocalist (tenor) may be included for the performance of particular programmes.
