EMSI presents a program of courtly songs and instrumental works from England, France, Italy and Scotland, performed by Victoria artists, soprano Gwen Jamieson, lutenist Doug Hensley and gambist Martin Bonham: sublime melodies from the high Renaissance and early Baroque.

The courtly songs of the late 16th and early 17th Centuries could be considered the apotheosis of a musical form that stretches back to the 11th and 12th Centuries with the music of the Trouvères and Troubadors.

Reveling in the bitter sweetness of unrequited love, the songs range from intimate and gentle to energetic and passionate, renewing the noble heritage of courtly love.

The rich timbre of Ms. Jamieson’s voice is laid over a plush fabric of lute, viola da gamba, vihuela and theorbo. These quintessential courtly instruments are also featured in solo and duo instrumental works of the time.

The program features music by Campion, Dowland, Guedron, Moulinié and Sances, along with anonymous songs from the Scottish collection of Thomas Wode’s part books.

Watch an interview with the musicians and download the program notes here.

This online performance will be freely available from February 28th here.

And don’t forget to register for our opening night post-concert-party here!

 Programme

What if a day or a month or a year Thomas Campion

Richt soir opprest Anon Scotland

Lancashire Pipes Anon Northern England

Joy to the person of my love Anon Scotland

I saw my lady weep John Dowland

Dowland’s Adew for Master Oliver Cromwell John Dowland

Fine knacks for ladies John Dowland

Enfin la beauté que j’adore Étienne Moulinié

Cessez mortels de soupirer Pierre Guedron

Non ha sotto il ciel Étienne Moulinié

Toccata IV and Corrente  prima  Alessandro Piccinini

Consert de differents Oyseaux Étienne Moulinié

Usurpator tiranno Giovanni Felice Sances

Donations in support of EMSI’s virtual concerts are greatly appreciated!