The Tempest in Musick
New London Consort
David Roblou Director
Anna Dennis soprano
Faye Newton soprano
Penelope Appleyard soprano
Timothy Travers Brown counter-tenor
Jorge Navarro Colorado tenor
Robert Sellier tenor
Joseph Cornwell tenor
Nicholas Hurndall Smith tenor
Michael George baritone-bass
Simon Grant baritone-bass
A musical voyage into the mysterious realms of The Tempest and an enthralling exploration of the sound-world of the Restoration theatre, this is a highly original celebration of the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth.Featuring all the music written for the 17th and early 18th century revivals of the play, the New London Consort creates a dramatic cornucopia of enchanting symphonies, songs, choruses and dances, including daring instrumental music by Locke, Draghi’s evocative character dances, contrasting versions of Ariel’s songs, Purcell’s ‘Dear Pretty Youth’ and the exquisite Masques of Devils and of Neptune & Amphitrite by Humfrey and Weldon.Revelling in the power of nature and the supernatural, 12 solo singers and a colourful late-Restoration theatre band evoke the exuberance of London’s playhouses around 1700 and enliven our continuing fascination with Shakespeare’s most magical masterpiece.
