Cambridge Early Music Concerts 2007

CONCERT SERIES 2007 Concert 11

THE FRENCH AMBASSADORS

Jennie Cassidy (voice), Jacob Heringman (lute), Philip Thorby (viol, recorder), Ian Harrison (voice and cornett)

This mixed-media concert of music, visual art and narration creates a sound-picture of Holbein's most magnificent painting, the double-portrait of 'The Ambassadors'. The listener overhears the traumas of the court as the Ambassadors seek to solve Henry VIII's quarrel with the Church over the annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon.

Hymns from the Lutheran hymnal depicted in the painting foreshadow England's Protestant age. Music from Henry VIII's own pen illuminates his deepest and most secret wishes. We also look at the hopes and desires of the other main characters in this Renaissance drama: the Ambassadors themselves, Holbein, Henry's secret love Anne Boleyn, and the Queen, Catherine of Aragon.

The concert mirrors the allegorical objects depicted in Holbein's masterpiece representing learning, and making a bold statement about the status of the two Frenchmen and their society.

Concert generously supported by the Early Music Network with funds from Arts Council England.

 

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