TAVISTOCK is hosting the first concert in Devon Baroque's winter series in St Eustachius Church on November 21 – exploring a delightful period of English music.
Restoration to Ranelagh begins in the reign of Charles II and ends during that of George III, ranging from the music of John Blow and Henry Purcell to that of eighteenth century composers such as Arne, J C Bach and William Boyce.
The musical tastes of Charles II — described as 'that light and airy prince' — were definitely on the lighter side. Blow's tuneful 'Venus and Adonis' suite would undoubtedly have appealed to him as would the sensuous 'Ah how sweet it is to love' by Purcell.
Matthew Locke's 'Suite from The Tempest' is dramatic and original and is of special interest as its composer received his musical education as a chorister in Exeter Cathedral.
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Eighty years later, music was shared with a wider but still wealthy, aristocratic public. Ranelagh Gardens in Chelsea were opened in 1741, and it was the height of fashion to hear, in the magnificent rotunda, instrumental and vocal music such as Arne's lively setting of Shakespeare's 'Where the Bee Sucks'.
The evening's soprano soloist will be one of Britain's most sought-after young sopranos, the Glasgow-born Lorna Anderson.
The concert will begin at 7.30pm. Tickets from Tavistock Tourist Information Centre, phone 01822 612938.