The beginning of the baroque period saw a sharp distinction between classical “art music” of the social elites and “popular music” more familiar to the tavern folk. Even the instruments were different, with the social elite preferring refined harpsichords and lutes while the tavern folk enjoyed dancing to bagpipes, hurdy-gurdies and crumhorns. However, creative composers sought inspiration broadly and often found it in the folk music of the day – and when Folk met Baroque it was a winning formula. This “rediscovery” of folk music led to unusual marriages as composers such as Geminiani and Matteis, who found fame in London, looked even further north for inspiration to the music of Scotland. And no performance of Folk/Baroque music would be complete without one of the hit songs of the 1580s: Greensleeves! That we can still recognise such tunes as they flow into modern Muzak is a sign of their endearing charm, cheekiness and spirit.

PROGRAM

Enjoy music by Monteverdi, Pergolesi, Dowland, Veracini and Geminiani

Anna Fraser, Soprano
Jane Sheldon, Soprano
Sally Melhuish, Recorder
Hans-Dieter Michatz, Recorder
Matthew Greco, Baroque Violin
Valmai Coggins, Baroque Viola
Tim Blomfield, Bass Violin
Simon Martyn-Ellis, Lute/Theorbo
Steven Machamer, Percussion
Monika Kornel, Harpsichord