Josie and the Emeralds 2021

In 16th and 17th century Europe, isolation measures were strictly enforced as society struggled to protect itself from the ravages of plague. Courts left the cities, theatres and music-houses were closed and even outdoor singing was banned.

We present plague-themed music of these times: a broadside ballad, a prayer of thanksgiving by John Thorne, and a high-art lament about the pain of solitude by Monteverdi.

We honour three composers who died of the plague: Jacob Obrecht, Alessandro Grandi and Robert White. But according to medical practitioners of this era, excessive melancholy could create an overabundance of black bile and leave one susceptible to illnesses such as plague.

So it was important to enjoy music that lifts the spirits and promotes red blood. One of our antidotes is a beautiful Fantasia-Suite by William Lawes and as always, contemporary music by Brooke Green.

Performers: Josie Ryan (soprano), Brooke Green (dir., viol), Daniel Yeadon, Fiona Ziegler, Catherine Upex, Anthea Cottee (viols), Simon Martyn-Ellis (lute, theorbo)

Programme: Musicke in these Plagal Tymes, (with Suite Relief)