Barokksolistene
An Alehouse Session
For Scandinavians, no journey to England is complete without a visit to the local pub. These places – also known as taverns or alehouses - have, since the Middle Ages, been the second home to the English. Here the sound of small-talk, singing, music and the eternal noise of beer glasses has at all times filled the rooms with life. In the late 17th century, when the theatres were closed down due to religious reasons, many of these alehouses were turned into so-called Musick-Houses, where musicians gathered to play intimate concerts for an enthusiastic and beer-thirsty audience. In these places one could also encounter merry singers from the numerous song-clubs, performing catches on more or less cheeky texts. Henry Purcell and other known composers were performing here; presenting their new works, or in lively musical duels with local folk-musicians.
In two different programmes, Barokksolistene presents folk-songs and melodies played and sung at the time, but also more serious compositions by, among others, Purcell. The menus consist of folky, seducing, touching and sparkling music, accompanied by anecdotes, humour and (where feasible) beer.
Barokksolistene offers the program in two versions: one smaller and purely instrumental concert and one bigger with a focus on Purcell’s music with 1 or 2 guest singers. The ensembles size is also flexible, depending on situation and wishes.
”A house of sinne you may call it, but not a house of darknesse, for the Candles are neuer out, and it is like those Countries farre in the North, where it is as cleare at mid-night as at mid-day.”
John Earle, micro-cosmographie: Or a Peece of the World Discovered (1628)