
Songs from the courts of Louis XIII of France,
Elizabeth I of England and Mary, Queen of Scots.
To bring warmth to frigid February, EMSI presents a program of courtly songs and instrumental works from France, England and Scotland, performed by Victoria artists, soprano Gwen Jamieson, lutenist Doug Hensley and gambist Martin Bonham: gorgeous 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 had its origins in the 11th and 12th Centuries with the music of the Trouvères and Troubadors, and continued into modern times in the popular music genres of the 20th Century: the simple, strophic love song.
With themes of unrequited love and natural beauty, these songs from the late Renaissance and early Baroque are intimate and gentle, qualities reflected in the use of the most popular courtly instruments of the time: the lute and viola da gamba.
The performance will feature vocal and instrumental works performed by three prominent Victoria early musicians, recorded in Alix Goolden Performance Hall.
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
Courante de la Reyne Robert Ballard
Beaute dans les rigeurs Antoine Boësset
Consert de differents Oyseaux Étienne Moulinié
Tickets to this online event will be on sale shortly: $20 or $15 for EMSI members.