Baroque England was a nation turned inside out: a fledgling democracy that could also be profoundly unjust, a culture convinced of its own uniqueness but which welcomed genius from all lands. Tonight, Academy of Ancient Music explores an era that’s never felt more current.
So, the music of the London-born Purcell sits alongside masterpieces by Handel – a German who became English by choice – and Ignatius Sancho, who was born into slavery but found freedom and musical success in Georgian England. Curated by American countertenor Reginald Mobley, Sons of England weaves music and words to explore alternative histories of the English baroque, culminating in a Sancho-inspired new commission by composer Roderick Williams: musical history shaping a shared future.
A free pre-concert talk will take place in the auditorium at 6.30pm before the Cambridge and London performances.
Download the digital programme for the Cambridge and London performances >
We would like to thank the Arts and Humanities Research Council, Cockayne – Grants for the Arts and the London Community Foundation, the Continuo Foundation and the Golsoncott Foundation for their support of this project.
Lachrimæ Antiquae Pavan (from Lachrimae, or Seaven Teares)
Britain, thou art now great (from Why, why are all the Muses mute?)
Music for a while (from Oedipus)
Keyboard Ground in D minor
Here the deities approve (from Welcome to all the pleasures)
Strike the viol (from Come, Ye Sons of Art)
Chaconne from 'King Arthur'
O Solitude! (a song on a ground)
So ceased the rival crew (from An Ode on the Death of Mr Henry Purcell)
We beg not hell, our Orpheus to restore (from An Ode on the Death of Mr Henry Purcell)
The power of Harmony too well they know (from An Ode on the Death of Mr Henry Purcell)
Sweet muse inspire thy suppliant bard
Go, perjured man! And if thou e'er return
Phoebus God, beloved by men
Beauty retire
Concerto Grosso in D minor, ‘La Follia’ (after Corelli Op. 5 No. 12)
Sonata in A minor for Recorder, Op. 3 No. 4
Harpsichord Concerto in G major
Mi palpita il cor
Suite of Songs and Dances
From Ignatius Sancho [World Premiere]
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