Consorts, Consort Songs and Lute Songs by Dowland, Byrd, Nicholson
Melancholy was a widespread mood in England in the 16th/17th centuries. It was expressed not only in literary works, but above all in musical works. The best-known examples are the "Lachrimae" or "Flow, my tears" by John Dowland, which can be found not only on the CD by "Sting" but also in the programme of the viol consort "Les Escapades".
„Numerous and various are the remedies which philosophers and physicians have prescribed to cheer up a sorrowful heart, to divert it from those complex and intense cares and reflections which so distinguish this disease; but in my opinion nothing is so present, nothing so powerful, nothing so adequate as strong drink, merriment, music, and good company," writes Robert Burton (1577 - 1640) in his work "The Anatomy of Melancholy".
Whether it is the concern for the health of the soul that is expressed in sacred works or love's sorrow that makes its way musically: one always encounters highly complexly composed, touching vocal and instrumental music that goes to the heart.
"Music soothes the fear and rage, soothes the dread, soothes the heaviness, and to the sleepless it brings rest; it takes away one's resentment, and hatred, whether it be instrumental music, song, with strings, winds, etc.; it cures all fretfulness and heaviness of soul." (Robert Burton)
The rousing sounds of "folk music", as well as a "typically British-scurrile" story about a little dog who falls victim to a terrible murder, are also components of this varied concert programme.
Instrumentation: countertenor, 4 viols, lute (6 performers)