The Pensive Heart : August 2015

Our First Concert: Part 2-

Beau and I have been detailing things for our concert this weekend at Unity at the Lake- to say I am excited is an enormous understatement!
I have been reading portions from (while I wait for the full edition to arrive, not written in Old English) Andreas Ornithoparcus- a 16th century treatise on music which John Dowland edited. Already, it is fascinating (and pretty darn funny) to see and read the 'Commandments of Singing' set forth by this work. Among them (paraphrased):
1) Do not sing loud, braying like an ass (my personal favorite).
2) God does not like loud singing, He likes beautiful singing.
3) Singers must conform the voice to the text- sounding merry when merry and sad when sad.
4) The changing of vowels is a sign of the unlearned singer (a very different thought from our current singing modes).
Last, but certainly not least-
5) Singer should avoid the uncomely gaping of the mouth and ungraceful motion of the body. It is a sign of a mad singer.

We would be honored to have you join us this weekend- rest assured, there are plenty more concerts coming down the pike. We are having a great time preparing it, and hope you will come and enjoy our efforts!

Our First Concert

After much rehearsal and study, the time has come to debut our first Dowland program. We'll be performing Friday, August 7th at Unity on the Lake on the Lake of the Ozarks. We're honored and excited to perform at this beautiful venue. Below is the order of songs we'll perform from Dowland's First Book of Songs or Ayres.

Unquiet Thoughts

Who Ever Thinks or Hopes of Love

If My Complaints Could Passions Move

Rest Awhile You Cruel Cares

Go Crystal Tears

Wilt Thou, unkind, Thus Reave Me

Now, Oh Now I needs must part

Come Again

Awake Sweet Love, Thou Art Returned

Think'st Thou Then By Feigning

His Golden Locks