Byrd, Dowland & Gibbons

Mahan Esfahani, perhaps today’s best-known harpsichordist, is an eloquent ambassador for the brilliance, beauty and versatility of the instrument.

Tonight is a rare chance to hear him conjure up the world of the Elizabethan era, known as the golden age of English music.

In music rich with decoration, detail and irresistible rhythmic impulse, the harpsichord’s bite and glitter is impressive, while also intimate in scale.

Works by John Bull, John Dowland, Orlando Gibbons, William Byrd and Giles Farnaby, among others, cover a wide range of expression from religious introspection to vigorous dances and ceaselessly inventive variations.

Programme

Byrd O Mistress mine
Tomkins Barafostus Dreame
Dowland Can she excuse my wrongs arr. William Randall
Gibbons The hunt's up (Peascod time)
G Farnaby Farmer's Paven
Bull Salvator mundi
Byrd Fortune (My Foe)
Bull Walsingham

Interval

Bull In Nomine
G Farnaby Why aske you; Up tails all
Tomkins Pavan; Worster braules
Tisdale The leaves bee greene
Byrd Ut, re, mi, fa, sol, la