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Composer

John Atkins

Overview of "Hark! Hark! the Lark: Music for Shakespeare's Company (English Orpheus 43)"

"Hark! Hark! the Lark: Music for Shakespeare's Company (English Orpheus, Vol. 43)" is a classical album that explores music tied to the works and theatrical milieu of William Shakespeare. This album encapsulates the spirit of Shakespeare's era in the most melodious manner, bringing together leading early music specialists, including Catherine Bott, Julia Gooding, Joseph Cornwell, Stephen Varcoe, The Parley of Instruments, and conductor Peter Holman.

The Artistic Collaboration

The album features renowned vocalists such as Catherine Bott, Julia Gooding, Joseph Cornwell, and Stephen Varcoe, whose reputations in early music add prestige to the recording. The Parley of Instruments, an ensemble specializing in historically informed interpretations using period instruments, underpins the authenticity of the album’s sound. Peter Holman, a leading conductor, directed this masterpiece, transporting listeners back in time to Shakespeare's era.

Album Significance

The album is part of the "English Orpheus" series, known for its scholarly and historically informed performances of English music from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The featured music likely includes settings of Shakespeare’s texts as well as instrumental pieces and songs that would have been heard by audiences of his plays. The project stands out for its meticulous attention to period performance practices, with The Parley of Instruments and Peter Holman being notable exponents in this field.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting soundscapes that flawlessly harmonize the profound legacy of Shakespearean dramaturgy with classical music. Step into the world of Elizabethan England, where every note paints a picture and every melody tells a story. Join us on a sonorous journey and discover the joy of music that transcends time. Experience Shakespeare's world like never before in a melodically rich and historically enlightening experience. Celebrate the legacy of the Bard of Avon in the most symphonic way possible with "Hark! Hark! the Lark: Music for Shakespeare's Company (English Orpheus 43)".