October’s Last Friday – A Spagna in the Works
The sweetly modest, satisfying, and gentle sonority of domestic music-making in the renaissance quietly belies compositions of unsurpassed musical skill. Featuring music that may be enjoyed equally as either something pleasantly light, or more attentively as something more serious and profound, this programme of music centred around the mid 16th century is performed on a variety of viols, all modelled on instruments from the late 15th and 16th century, accompanied by the lute.
The music is centered around the mid 16th century is performed on the viol (bowed like a violin or cello, but far more tender, placid, and humane) accompanied by the lute (plucked like a guitar, but more calm, courteous and modest) and, like a mesmeric, draws the listener into worlds that are almost unimaginable, and certainly almost forgotten.
Alison Crum and Roy Marks will play a programme of 16th century instrumental works and madrigals, played on a selection of early viols and lute. Many of these compositions were based on pre-existing melodies or bass lines, such as the Passamezzo, or based on famous madrigals or airs of the time. Examples of this practice in more modern times include Pachelbel’s Canon, and Ray Charles’ Hit the Road Jack.
Alison will begin by introducing the instruments, and later will give some explanations about the music you will hear.
AS USUAL, DOORS OPEN AT 7. The performance may start a little earlier than 7.30 tonight as the programme is extensive. Please come early!
In place of our usual pizzas, we will be offering two sizes of cheese board, featuring a variety of well-chosen cheeses, fruits and crackers. Perfect for sharing.
The four person cheeseboard is featured below for illustration purposes. Please note that cheese board orders close the day before the performance to give us time to source and assemble them.
Four person cheeseboard. For illustrative purposes only – contents may vary on the night.
