Four hundred years: a mere sigh in eternity. In this concert, Fretwork and the countertenor Alexander Chance mediate between two creative heroes, separated by time but united in gorgeous music: the virginalist Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625) and composer Nico Muhly (°1981). Fretwork has been one of the world’s best consorts of viols for decades. It has retrieved the most beautiful pages of Gibbons’ delicate ensemble repertoire, from meditative In Nomines to The Cries of London – a 17 th century city scene – and the vivid fantasies that once entertained the London court. Nico Muhly, who will incidentally make an appearance in the closing concert of VIOLA DA GAMBAinPRIMETIME as well, wrote My Days as a contemporary musical reflection on this magnificent oeuvre.
Program
N. Muhly: My Days | O. Gibbons: Behold, Thou Hast Made My Days | Go From My Window | See, See the Word is Incarnate | Nay Let Me Weep | The Cries of London | In Nomines and fantasias
Performers
Richard Boothby, Emily Ashton, Emilia Benjamin, Joanna Levine, Sam Stadlen, Jonathan Rees, viola da gamba | Alexander Chance, countertenor