The London Stage circa. 1700
Watch online here
Strong traditions of English theater sustained resistance to the invasion of Italian opera that swept through most of Europe during the 17th century. English audiences objected to the "unnatural" practice of having characters converse in continuous song, but nonetheless, demanded a high proportion of music in stage productions – challenging playwrights to find ingenious ways of inserting musical interludes (sometimes with little to do with the plot). English theater music reached a highpoint around the turn of the 18th century, when leading composers including Henry Purcell and John Eccles competed to attract audiences with varied arrays of distinctively English songs and instrumental music.
Tracy Cowart ~ mezzo-soprano
Sian Ricketts ~ recorder, oboe, and soprano
Christa Patton ~ triple harp
Richard Kolb ~ theorbo and archlute
Canzonetta is dedicated to exploring little known areas of 17th- and early 18th-century music, in programs based on well-informed scholarship and a thorough command of 17th-century musical practices. The ensemble's programs feature vocal solos, duets and trios accompanied by triple harp and lute family instruments, with melodic and bass line instruments as needed. Each program presents the music of a specific period and genre or cultural center.
1:15 – 2:00 pm
All concerts are free; no tickets or reservations are necessary.
In person at The Church of the Transfiguration, 1 E 29th St, New York City
Live stream details: You can watch it on your computer in any of two places by clicking on the name you wish: our website or YouTube.