BBC Proms 2012
Starts at 10:00 am on Monday, 20 August 2012
40 programmes from the world’s greatest classical music festival
(1) Rob Farrer (marimba), Tenebrae, Rose Consort/Nigel Short
Our coverage of this year’s BBC Proms with a concert from the acclaimed vocal ensemble Tenebrae in a programme showcasing the hustle and bustle of London in the early 17th century. Orlando Gibbons adds viols to the voices depicting the cries of street-vendors and beggars, while Steve Martland's present-day setting opts for the marimba. Julian Philips also bridges London ancient and modern with a new work setting an excerpt from the first anthology of English poetry, Tottel's Miscellany, published in London in 1557.
Tenebrae is a professional chamber choir, founded by Nigel Short and Barbara Pollock. Performing by candlelight, the choir creates an atmosphere of spiritual and musical reflection, where medieval chant and renaissance works are interspersed with contemporary compositions to create an ethereal mood of contemplation.
‘Passion and Precision’ is the motto of Tenebrae and its members are drawn from musical backgrounds reflecting these qualities, such as the Monteverdi Choir, the choirs of Westminster Abbey and Cathedral and King’s College, Cambridge.
Many of Tenebrae’s singers have worked with the leading specialist vocal groups including I Fagiolini, The Tallis Scholars, The Swingle Singers and The King’s Singers. Contributing to the dramatic qualities of Tenebrae’s performing style are singers from Britain’s two major opera houses, Covent Garden and English National Opera.
(Sources: BBC & Tenebrae)
This concert was recorded in Cadogan Hall, London by BBC.
