Bonjour, Mon Coeur!
the sublime 16th century French
Chanson
with Spirit of Gambo consort of viols
Music for a While
beguiling English songs, Dowland
to Purcell
Rejoice and Be Merry!
an early music Christmas celebration
Shakespeare’s Songbook
music and dialogue from the Bard's plays
The Lowest Trees Have Tops
music of John Dowland
“If music be the food of love, play on” wrote William Shakespeare in his play, Twelfth Night. In fact, popular songs of Elizabethan England played an important role in many of Shakespeare’s plays. Shakespeare frequently chose to insert, quote or cite these songs to reveal the thoughts and emotions of his characters. Although many of the songs have been lost, we are fortunate that many more have survived.
Shakespeare’s Songbook provides a glimpse into the rich musical palette of Shakespeare’s theater. This concert features spoken excerpts from Shakespeare’s plays to provide an enhanced context to the music.
download program booklet