Elizabeth Kenny, theorbo Event

Elizabeth Kenny is Southampton’s Head of Early Music. Having been here since 2006, and played a number of lute-family concerts, this is the first time she has given a solo recital on the theorbo, the largest of the tribe. Such is its versatility, it’s more often seen and heard (or not) in ensembles from one singer to larger operas and orchestras, but it had and continues to grow a diverse repertoire of its own. The instrument and the programme began in Italy: Alessandro Piccinini from Bologna invented the theorbo’s cousin the archlute, and had a reputation for virtuosity equalled only by the eccentric Roman Hieronymus Kapsberger. The French cultivated a more mellifluous style, merging melody and dance as in this suite by de Visée. Two not-yet-dead composers complete the bill, both of whom wrote their pieces for Liz Kenny. James Macmillan wrote detachable motets for solo instruments (theorbo, horn, harp and cello) as part of his Easter work Since it was the Day of Preparation, and Benjamin Oliver’s Extending from the Inside was given its premier at the Cumnock Tryst Festival in 2014.

Programme

Toccata                                   Alessandro Piccinini 1566-c.1638
Folia Romanesca
Ciaccona

Motet for theorbo                     James Macmillan b.1959
(from Since it was the day of Preparation)

Suite in D                                Robert de Visée fl. late 17th cent

Toccata                                   Hieronymus Kapsberger c.1580-1651
Passacaglia
Canario
Capona
Coloscione

Extending from the Inside         Benjamin Oliver b.1981

 

Please note that countertenor Robin Blaze who was due to perform with Liz Kenny is not able to do so due to illness – we apologise for any inconvenience caused.