^{FIRST PUBLISHED 24 JAN 2026}

Soprano Nardus Williams, winner of the Rising Talent award at the 2022 International Opera Awards, is joined by celebrated lutenist Elizabeth Kenny, in a programme that dives into the world of the Four Humours, physical properties believed to govern human behaviour from ancient times until the 1850s. Their programme encompasses monodies by Settimia Caccini and Barbara Strozzi, among the first women to forge successful careers in music.

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Streamed live from Wigmore Hall on 24 Nov 2025. Live broadcast hosted by Catherine Bott.

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PROGRAMME

BLACK BILE
Monteverdi Arianna's Lament: ‘Lasciatemi morire’, SV22
Dowland Melancholy Galliard
Strozzi L’Eraclito amoroso, Op. 2 No. 14
Johnson Away delights
Dowland In darkness let me dwell

PHLEGM
Strozzi Cantata: Sete pur fastidioso, Op. 7 No. 12
Purcell While Thirsis, wrapt in downy sleep (A Pastoral Coronation Song), Z437
Strozzi Amor dormiglione, Op. 2 No. 22
Dowland Time’s eldest son
Locke The delights of the bottle

YELLOW BILE
Settimia Caccini Già sperai, non spero or più
Blow Lysander, I pursue in vain (A Mad Song) from Amphion Anglicus
Eccles I burn, I burn
Carissimi Apritevi inferni

BLOOD
Rasi O che felice giorno
Giulio Caccini Odi, Euterpe, il dolce canto
Ferrabosco Galliard
Rosseter When Laura smiles
Anon. This merry pleasant spring
Ferrari Amanti io vi sò dire