April 30, 2027, at 6.30 in the Parish Hall (Magdalen Hall) of St. Mary Magdalen Church, 2005 Berryman, Berkeley

Hallifax & Jeffrey (Peter Hallifax and Julie Jeffrey, viols) with Marie Dalby (viol) and Andrew Canepa (organ)

Music for viols and organ by Christopher Simpson and Mathew Locke

After the English executed the King they had, and before they brought in his son to replace him, there was, for more than a decade, a form of democracy referred to as the commonwealth. During this time here was, of course, no court to employ musicians, and the prevailing religion of that time did not allow music in churches. Thus musicians, previously well employed in London by court and church, either fled abroad or retired to the countryside and sought employment with wealthy, usually catholic, secret or overtly Royalist sympathizer families.

Two of the most famous and successful of those musicians of that period were Christopher Simpson and Mathew Locke. Both were expert viol players and composed largely for the viol, often accompanied by the organ. This program brings together some of their masterworks including some of Simpson’s “Monthes” for treble viol, two bass viols and continuo, and Locke’s “Flatt Consort” for treble viol, tenor/treble viols, and Bass viol. These astonishing works represent the last flowering of the century-old English tradition of chamber music for viols. The music combines elegance (in Simpson’s case) harmonic daring (in Locke’s case) and great instrumental virtuosity, demanded by both composers.

April 30, 2027, at 6.30 in the Parish Hall (Magdalen Hall) of St. Mary Magdalen Church, 2005 Berryman, Berkeley.

Please enter the Hall from the parking lot (go down the entry ramp 50 yards East of the Church on Berryman), and then down a flight of stairs to the West of the parking area.

Admission $25 (no one turned away for lack of funds). You can reserve a seat in advance by email to info@barefootchamberconcerts.com, and pay at the door.