Purcell for the people   Finale

Just how close are the links between the oral traditions of folk music and “serious” music is demonstrated by the The Curious Bards with a programme of works by one of the greatest English composers of the 17th century: Henry Purcell. Many of his secular compositions, including Scots & Irish tunes, hornpipes and other country dances were influenced by popular music, and not only due to his friendship with the dancing master and publisher John Playford. They are to be found in Purcell’s dance pieces for the theatre (incidental music), for example, or in the interludes of his operas. Purcell also incorporates them into melodies and songs such as the drinking song Bacchus is a pow’r divine Z. 360, the Scottish-style Sawney is bonny lad Z. 412, and numerous catches, which have been described as madrigals of the people. In the first part of the evening, the modern bards reveal a lesser-known side of the baroque composer, who is particularly popular today for his operas and semi-operas. In the second part, as an epilogue, you can take to the dance floor yourself with the support of a dance master. Look forward to a Purcell you have never heard before!

The Curious Bards
Dir: Alix Boivert – Violin
Jean-Christophe Morel – Cister
Sarah Van Oudenhove – Viola da Gamba
Louis Capeille – Triple harp
Bruno Harlé – Travers flute
Ilektra Platipoulou – Mezzosoprano