The Cryers gave a concert of music to Shakespeare's ears for StonyLive in St Mary & St Giles Church on the warm summer evening of 10 June, for StonyLive.
Directed by Jerry Breslin, they specialise in Medieval and Renaissance music, in full period dress, and for this concert, their third in the church, they offered a wide variety of pieces from different composers.
Their programme :
Section 1 The Northern School (Orlande de Lassus 1532-1594, Jacques Arcadelt 1507-1568)
- Kyrie (from Missa Octavi Toni) - Lassus
- Matona Mia Cara - Lassus
- Belle Qui Tient Ma Vie (dance) - attrib Lassus
- Margot Labourez les Vignes - Arcadelt
- Il Bianco e Dolce Cigno - Arcadelt
- Agnus Dei (from Missa Octavi Toni) - Lassus
Section 2 Thomas Morley 1557-1602
- Oh, Mistress Mine (Twelfth Night)
- Haec Dies
- It was a Lover and his Lass (As you like it)
Section 3 William Byrd 1540-1623
- Kyrie (from Mass for 3 voices)
- Sellinger's Round (dance)
- Ave Verum Corpus
Interval
Section 4 John Bennet 1575-1614
- All Creatures Now
- The Elves DAnce
- There Dwelt a Man in Babylon (dance)
- Weep, O Mine Eyes
Section 5 John Dowland 1563-1626
- Psalm 38
- Fine Knacks for Ladies
- Come Again! Sweet Love Doth Now Invite
- Flow my Tears (soloist Avril Morris)
- Lord Hear My Prayer
Section 6 Claudio Monteverdi 1567-1643 and Opera
- Coro di Ninfi e Pastori (from Orfeo)
- Coro di Spiriti Infernali (from Orfeo)
This was followed by an encore when they sang Fair Phyliss by John Farmer.
Some of their music was familiar, while some pieces they shared are rarely heard these days and they shared their joy in the rediscovery of lost treasures in their singing. The dances were done by some of the group while the others sang. It was a heartfelt and fun evening of music, performed with great enthusiasm by all the singers.
Janet, Sue, Sandra and Janice did a great job with front of house. The Cryers decided to share the proceeds of the concert between Langley House Trust and the SMSG church disabled access project.
Words and photos by Anna Page