The Concert in the Egg by Hieronymus Bosch (with notes and texts of a song by Thomas de Crecquillon)
Crequillon & Lambert: French song, 1500 to 1620
VOICES
Tutor: Deborah Catterall
Location: Bethesda Chapel, Mold
Reviewer: Jackie Gresham
Crequillon & Lambert: French song, with Deborah Catterall
Attendees at the workshop on October 26th, which was led by singer, musician and musical director Deborah Catterall, had the pleasure of singing work by French and Franco-Flemish composers of the mid-fifteenth to late seventeenth century, in a programme which included some less well-known but utterly delightful pieces. Each composer and his work were introduced by Deborah, who provided some brief background information and, in one case, sang a companion song as illustration. Lassus’ Bonjour mon coeur, a playful morning awakening song, gave a bright presentation of a lover’s feelings; a range of emotional tones from the melancholic and regretful to the frustrations of unrequited love were in evidence in the works of Josquin de Prez’ Mille regrets, Crecquillon’s Pour ung plaisir and C’est a grand tort and three works by Lambert: the reflective Le repos, l’ombre, le silence; Ah! qui voudra; D’un feu secret. Guidance in the pronunciation of French from this period and, more importantly, skilful help with the interpretation of the songs, enabled us to approach the music in a supported way. Some attendees were surprised to find we could even manage a few light trills when tackling Lambert’s pieces.
A memorable event and a feast of charming music; all thanks to Deborah for a great day.
Jackie Gresham
First published in November 2018 Newsletter
