A Sad Pavan for these Distracted Times - Pacific Baroque Festival 2023 "Music for Distracted Times"

Enjoy music of a rich period of musical innovation where English composers developed a distinctly English musical style epitomized by the music of Henry Purcell.

Cultural activity in England during the 17th century was disrupted by political, religious, and social upheaval; Thomas Tomkins wrote his ‘Sad Pavan’ two weeks after the execution of Charles I and after the destruction of his organ at Worcester Cathedral. He unfortunately did not live to see the restoration of the monarchy and the renewed enthusiasm for the arts brought about by the reign of Charles II. It inspired a rich period of musical innovation, with music written for the church, the court and private salons, and the evolution of a distinctly English musical style epitomized by the music of Henry Purcell. The captivating soprano Arwen Myers, praised for her "crystalline tone and delicate passagework" will be accompanied by the Pacific Baroque Festival Ensemble.



The 2023 Pacific Baroque Festival (15-19 February) focuses on the music of 17th and 18th century England. With an ensemble of two violins, two viols, lute, harpsichord and organ, along with the wonderful soprano voice of Arwen Myers, we explore this rich period in music in which the political tumult of the early 1600s gave way to London becoming the largest city in Europe and a centre of artistic expression. Charles II’s reign saw the composition of the first English operas, the opening of the first public concert halls, and an influx of talented musicians from abroad which continued into the 18th century.



CONCERT PROGRAMME

Thomas Tomkins

A Sad pavan for these distracted times



William Lawes

Royal Consort Sett No. 2 in d minor



Matthew Locke

The Flat Consort - Suite No. 4 in Bb Major



Four English Songs

Nicolas Lanier - ‘The Marigold’

Henry Lawes - ‘Love's Dying Passion’ and ‘On a Lost Heart’

William Lawes - ‘Gather ye rosebuds’



Thomas Tomkins

A Sad pavan for these distracted times

(arranged for two violins & two viols)



John Blow

Prelude and Air in C Major for harpsichord solo

‘A Ground’, from ‘Venus & Adonis’



Henry Purcell

The Plaint’ from ‘The Fairy Queen’

Sweeter than Roses’



John Jenkins

Pavan for two bass viols



Purcell

Sonata #5 in a minor, Z.794

‘Fairest Isle’