Lachrimae: Byrd, Dowland and Benjamin

About the Event

The viol ensemble, Sit Fast, offers an evening dedicated to English "consort songs" of the 16th and 17th centuries, with mezzo‐soprano Sarah Breton.

"Consort songs" are characterized by the intricate relationship between the voice and a group of viols, creating a poetic and sumptuous sound. William Byrd established the importance of this composing style, while John Dowland is best known for his Elizabethan lute songs. A work by contemporary composer George Benjamin is also on the program of this evening.