The coronation of the King Charles II in 1660 is described in detail by the diarist, Samuel Pepys. It was an occasion of great celebration for the whole country, bringing to an end the years of austerity and cultural darkness of the Commonwealth. This curious song, also titled “The Phoenix”, was written by Charles II and set to music by Pelham Humphrey. It laments Charles’ unrequited desire for Frances Stuart, Duchess of Richmond, who appears to have evaded the King’s advances until her runaway marriage to the Duke of Richmond. Historians believe she would have become Queen had Catherine of Braganza succumbed to the illness that almost claimed her life in 1663.
These words are attributed to King Charles II, and were set to a tune written by Pelham Humfrey (1647-1674), who is noted in Playford's Choice Songs as "the Master of the Children of his Chapel." It is printed under the title The Phoenix in Jackson's English Melodies.
Charpentier’s beautiful settings of the Lamentations of Jeremiah were performed over the three days of Holy Week: Holy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, but for practical reasons were performed on the preceding evening of the relevant Holy day; the Lamentations for Good Friday were therefore performed on Maundy Thursday. The text, originally deploring the Siege of Jerusalem, applied allegorically to the three days of mourning for Christ between his crucifixion and resurrection.
A feature of the lamentations is the melismatic setting of Hebrew letters at the beginning of each Latin verse. These are highly virtuosic vocal settings which were sung by professional singers from the Paris Opera. This was a ritual spectacle involving set pieces of liturgy interspersed with musical “Repons” and the gradual extinguishing of fourteen candles. The fifteenth candle was finally hidden from sight, a loud ‘bang’ was heard symbolising the earthquake following Christ’s death and plunging the entire church into darkness. The candle was finally restored to view symbolising the resurrection.
Mr Simpsons Little Consort (String ensemble)
Mr Simpson’s Little Consort are an award winning early music group based in Buckingham. They take their name from the 17th century viol player and teacher, Christopher Simpson who published “The Division Viol” in 1665; an important treatise on how to play that instrument. He also published the “Little Consort” – hence the name.
Scan QR code for extended programme notes & biographies: