The Topping Tooters of the Town!

On Tuesday October 20^th, 2009, upon my return to Rhodes after fall break, I immediately launched back into the Rhodes music scene by attending an early-music concert featuring The City Musick ensemble, directed by William Lyons. They performed “Music of the London Waits” on period instruments such as the sackbut (a precursor to the trombone), cornett (similar to a clarinet), recorder and bagpipes. Between many of the pieces Mr. Lyons would explain the background of the next piece to be played as well as giving informational tidbits about the instruments. Thankfully he also explained what a “Wait” is. The London Waits in particular were town pipers who rivaled the king’s minstrels and every English town worth its salt had a band of Waits. Their music is instrumental and the vocal selections are mostly secular, although there were a few psalms (including the old hundredth) featured in this concert. All of the music on the program was composed between 1550 and 1650. While I had not heard of many of the composers on the program, a few names did stick out: Thomas Morley, Anthony Holborne and John Dowland.

I particularly enjoyed how each performer truly embodied the concept of the “Renaissance Man” because each member of the ensemble played at least two instruments and sang. Their overall sound as vocal ensemble was interesting. I enjoyed the timbre of their singing because it had a folky feel to it. They did not refine vowels and kept their sound very bright and forward.

Currently The City Musick ensemble is concluding a tour through the United States and I assume they will return back to their native UK soon. If you’re ever across the pond and get a chance to hear them perform, seize it! It’s a great opportunity to hear Renaissance music and hear how different their antiquated instruments sound compared to their modern day counterparts!

- Brigid Hannon