Rebellion!
In this new program, The Curious Bards explores the close connections between popular and art music within the work of one of the greatest English composers of the 17th century; Henry Purcell.
As we look through his secular musical output, it is clear that he was necessarily familiar with the popular music that surrounded him, particularly through his friend the dance master and publisher, John Playford. These influences are also found in his talent for writing dance pieces, intended for the theatre (“incidental music”) or even for opera.
To develop this new project, The Curious Bards has incorporated the recorder and has had a “renaissance” type cittern specially built to match the instrumentarium of Purcell’s time. By taking this slight step aside towards art music, The Curious Bards sheds a completely new light on a plural composer, more recognized today for his operas than for his popular genius, which is nevertheless incontestable!
Sublimation
This new program highlights an unknown repertoire; that of the Scandinavian countries (Norway and Sweden). Using emblematic instruments such as the Swedish Nyckelharpa or the Norwegian Hardingfele, The Curious Bards reveal all the richness of a repertoire of magnificent melodic and harmonic singularity, notably influenced by Gaelic culture. These dances and songs composed in the 18th century all originate from manuscripts that have rarely been explored until now. A unique, exotic and intensely fresh programme!
Indiscretion
After a first program focusing on the « basics » of the Gaelic instrumental repertoire, The Curious Bards return with ballads and specific types of dances such as hornpipes, slip jigs, strathspeys and songs in the Gaelic language, or even drinking songs. A new possibility of embarking on an in-depth journey with the Irish and Scottish traditional repertoire of the Baroque period.
Extradition
This program is an invitation to discover the Gaelic culture of the 17th and 18th centuries. All of the compositions are taken from collections of melodies, rare testimonies of the cultural heritage of an entire population. Going from an Irish jig to a frenzied Scottish reel, (not to mention a few ballads or lamentations) you will quickly find yourself swept up in the whirlwind of the Curious Bards!
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |