This programme reflects the full flavour and richness of English music and the instrumental and vocal repertory it inspired in Europe in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The rhythmic impulse of this repertory – sometimes making use of ostinato – culminates in the grounds, jigs, contredanses and so on that were all the rage at the time and led to the publication of John Playford’s collection The English Dancing Master in 1651. Les Musiciens de Saint-Julien, showing their familiarity with early sources from England, Scotland and Ireland, also emphasise the melodic aspect of these dances, which in the course of time became sung airs – the soprano Fiona McGown and the baritone Enea Sorini complete a colourful instrumentarium. Finally, the light-hearted dimension of entertainment is present everywhere in this repertory, which was popular in the sense that it was universally practised at the time, achieving a fame that spread far beyond the British Isles.
Tracks
Disc 1
1. Song: Bonny Kathern Loggy
2. Bellamira - Greensleeves
3. Song: The Witty Western Lasse, To The Tune Called The Beggar Boy
4. Emperor Of The Moon / Ormond House
5. Song: How Vile Are The Sordid Intrigues
6. Sefauchi's Farewell
7. Song: An Italian Ayre (Fuggi, Fuggi, Fuggi)
8. Nobody's Jig - Black And Grey - Where Will Our Goodman Lie - Maiden Lane
9. Song: Drive The Cold Winter Away
10. John Come Kiss Me Now (Variations By Thomas Baltzar, Christopher Simpson, David Mell, Solon Ecc
11. Song: When Daphne From Fair Phoebus Did Fly
12. Scots Rant - Argiers (Variations After Jacob Van Eyck)
13. Song: Mr Lane's Maggot
14. The Lord Monk's March - Hey To The Camp
15. Song: A Lad Of The Town
16. Song: Bacchus's Health, On The Tune Paul's Steeple (Variations Published By John Playford And J
