I fought the (William) Lawes and…Parliamentarians, tragically, existentially, won.
This was a delicious lunchtime concert at The Wig. Here is a link to the Wigmore Hall resource on this concert.
All music by William Lawes, this is what we heard:
- Choice Psalmes: – Music, the master of thy art is dead
- Harp Consort No. 9 in D:– Pavin on a theme by Cormacke
- Choice Psalmes: – My God, my rock, regard my cry
- My God, my rock, regard my cry (arranged by Loris Barrucand)
- Judah in exile wanders
- Harp Consort No. 5 In D: – Alman – Saraband
- Harp Consort No. 4 in D: – Coranto
- Choice Psalmes: – Whieles I this standing lake swathed up with ewe
- Love, I obey, shoot home thy dart
- O sing unto the Lord a new song
- Harp Consort No. 11 in D: – Fantazy
- Choice Psalmes: – Ne irascaris, Domine
- Harp Consort No. 10 in G: – Paven on a theme by Coprario
- Choice Psalmes: – How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord
- Come sing the great Jehova’s praise
- In resurrectione tua
- Harp Consort No. 8 in G
- Choice Psalmes: – O my Clarissa
This concert is basically their latest album Lighten Mine Eies, available I’m sure at all good CD outlets and streaming, e.g. YouTube Music – click here.
Below is a little video clip of them performing one of the instrumental pieces:
While below is a little video clip of them performing one of the choral pieces:
We were supposed to hear Maïlys de Villoutreys sing the soprano parts, but she was unfortunately unwell. Enter a late replacement in the form of Marion Tassou, who did a wonderful job given the near-absence of preparation and rehearsal time.
Ensemble Près are a very together-looking unit, handling the late soprano switch like the commensurate professionals they clearly are.
We really enjoyed this concert and have enjoyed listening to their recordings of 16th and 17th century English music since. An unusual choice of repertoire for a young French ensemble. I hope it works for them.
Robin Pharo, their leader and gambist, did mention that they have started work on some French repertoire as well. Quelle surprise!