Sweeter than Roses

Erasmus Chamber Ensemble will be making its first appearance in Hertford for a lunchtime recital with leading gambist Ibrahim Aziz. Join them on a journey through Baroque music from Italy, England and France, peering into the musical life of theatres, churches and aristocratic homes along the way.

Starting with Monteverdi at the dawn of the new expressive solo vocal style, we progress through Purcell’s subtle and evocative word setting and F Couperin’s spiritually-charged meditations, finishing up with Handel in Italy on the cusp of his final return to London and triumphant emergence onto the opera scene.

There is also time to withdraw into the elegant private sphere of chamber music; in this case, works for viola da gamba and harpsichord are written to display the talents of virtuoso players.

Programme:
Monteverdi Quel sguardo sdegnosetto
Monteverdi Exulta, Filia Sion
Purcell Sweeter than Roses
Purcell If music be the food of love (first setting)
F Couperin Leçons de ténèbres, Movement II
Handel Lascia la spina

Erasmus Chamber Ensemble:
Catherine White soprano
Ibrahim Aziz viola da gamba
Dan Tidhar harpsichord