ACD 2136 Cover

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The Spirite of Musicke
Violes et Voix • Viols and Voice

Suzie LeBlanc
Les Voix Humaines

Margaret Little & Susie Napper - violes de gambe / violas da gamba

ACD2 2136
ENGLISH CHAMBER MUSIC 1600-1660
A
typically English style of chamber music evolved in the first half of the 17th century thanks to the patronage of the ruling elite.   As in other parts of Europe, the royal courts employed vocal and instrumental ensembles of varying dimensions to perform at royal functions and chapel services.   The English nobility also retained ensembles of musical virtuosi whose sole purpose was to entertain and elevate the spirit.   One royal family member in particular surrounded himself with writers and musicians of very high calibre: Henry, Prince of Wales, the son of King James I and Queen Anne, a young man of great intelligence and sensitivity.   His premature death at the age of 18 was sorely felt.   His musical ensemble passed into the service of his brother Charles, and entered again into the service of the Court at the time of Charles' accession to the throne, with the official title of Private Musick.   The ensemble, consisting of voices, viols, two violins, a harp and a keyboard, performed for the private pleasure of the royalty in the royal chambers.   It was to include a number of the great composers of the century, including Henry Purcell.

© François Filiatrault
Translation by Arianne Dind


Giovanni Coperario (v. 1575-1626)
[  1.] Tis now dead night *     5:36
        (To the most sacred Queen Anne)
        (Songs of Mourning, Londres, 1613)

Tobias Hume (v. 1580-1645)
[  2.] Touch me sweetly     3:19
        (The First Part of Ayres, Londres, 1605)

Giovanni Coperario (v. 1575-1626)
[  3.] To the World *     5:14
        (Songs of Mourning, Londres, 1613)

John Jenkins (1592-1678)
        Suite for two viols in A minor     9:49
        (manuscrit)
[  4.| - Fantasia     2:54
[  5.] - Ayre     2:15
[  6.] - Fantasia     2:47
[  7.] - Courant     1:53

Alfonso II Ferrabosco (v. 1575-1628)
[  8.] So Beautie on the waters stood *     1:45
        (Ayres, Londres, 1609)

Christopher Simpson (v. 1605-1669)
[  9.] Divisions on a Ground in G major     5:46
        (manuscrit, v.1660)
Tobias Hume (v.1580-1645)
[10.] Cease leaden slumber     7:27
        (The Queenes New-yeares gift)
        (Captaine Humes Poeticall Musicke, Londres, 1607)

Tobias Hume (v.1580-1645)
[11.] The Spirite of Musicke (accordé en bandora)     4:13
        (The First Part of Ayres, Londres, 1605)

Alfonso II Ferrabosco (v.1575-1628)
[12.] Like Hermit poore *     1:55
        (Ayres, Londres, 1609)

Tobias Hume (v.1580-1645)
[13.] Sweet Ayre (The Earle of Arundels favoret)     5:15
        (Captaine Humes Poeticall Musicke, Londres, 1607)

Tobias Hume (v.1580-1645)
[14.] What greater griefe     6:41
        (Captaine Humes Poeticall Musicke, Londres, 1607)

Christopher Simpson (v.1605-1669)
[15.] Divisions on a Ground in F major     5:28
        (manuscrit, v.1660)

1-3-8-10-12-14: avec / with Suzie Le Blanc

* © arr. Les Voix Humaines



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