Königliche Musik

Près de votre oreille vocal and instrumental ensemble
Robin Pharo viola da gamba and director

Programme:
»Lighten mine eyes« – Psalms, songs and harp consorts by William Lawes

During the English Civil War, one of Britain’s greatest composers died in 1645 at the age of only 43: William Lawes. Despite being court composer to King Charles I and being renowned for his innovative consort music for viol ensembles, he was soon forgotten. Robin Pharo finally brings this musical genius back into the spotlight with his ensemble Près de votre oreille (Close to your ear), founded in 2017. Lawes’s work is characterised by its bold harmonies and counterpoint, as well as its unique expressive power. The programme »Lighten mine eies« combines Lawes’ instrumental and vocal works, creating an atmospheric interplay between consort music for harp, viol, theorbo and violin, and psalm settings and songs. Près de Votre Oreille lives up to its name by performing this enchanting collection in the intimate atmosphere of the Old Church in Rhede, truly »close to your ear«!

in cooperation with the district of Emsland and the Emsländische Sparkassenstiftung