The English-Dutch Connection

Micaela Schmitz, harpsichord

Featuring readings and music about courtship, imprisonment and intrigue, the programme loosely traces the life of the enigmatic 16th century composer John Bull. Preceded by a Renaissance dance workshop 2-2:40pm (workshop is £2 on door only, 1/2 off to concert goers) –suitable for ages 8 and up; no dance experience necessary. The programme will include music by Byrd, Bull, Browne, Cornet, Sweelinck and more, and features tunes like ‘Under the Linden Tree’ and ‘O Mistress Mine’.

The music is interspersed with entertaining, contemporary readings, chosen from diaries, letters, novels and poetry. This programme is about exchanges between the British Isles and the Low Countries. Our story follows the life of John Bull, who embodies this exchange. Three works by Bull are framed by those of his teachers, contemporaries and influences. His life was spent in England and the Low Countries, in the service of Elizabeth, James, the Archducal Chapel in Brussels, and finally Antwerp. Bull’s music reflects the influence of William Byrd, his teacher, along with folk tunes and sacred music in the Low Countries.

Much of the music appears in The Fitzwilliam Virginal Book, a collection of English and Netherlandish music, copied by Francis Tregian while in prison for recusancy. Many recusants fled to the Low Countries, but trade could also account for the exchange of ideas. This concert will show through music, dance, and readings how these ideas were shared.