We present a programme of songs to the lute based around settings of verses by metaphysica poet George Herbert, together with songs associated with his extended family based at Wilton House, close to the parish of Bemerton where he spent the last few years of his life. These other songs have texts by Mary Herbert and her brother Philip Sidney, their close associate John Donne, and Mary's son William Herbert, the Earl of Pembrokeshire, and his tutor Samuel Daniel. Lute solos from the lute book of George's brother Edward, Lord Herbert of Cherbury are also included, together with some by Samuel Daniel's brother John.
Musicke in the Ayre was formed by Din Ghani in 2010, and since then have given over 100 concerts of music from the 16th and 17th centuries for voice(s) with lute (or related period instruments) across the UK and abroad. Tthey have developed a reputation over recent years for carefully researched and well crafted programmes designed around highly specific topics, and this one has been a particularly interesting challenge.
Based in London, Sophia Brumfitt has performed a wide range of repertoire with a number of leading groups, and in 2014 featured in a BBC4 series on renaissance art. Since joining Musicke in the Ayre two years ago, she has given solo recitals with Din in the National Portrait Gallery, the Foundling Museum, St Paul's Covent Garden and elsewhere. Since taking up the lute in 1975, Din Ghani specialized in lute song in the last decade, leading to the formation of Musicke in the Ayre. He also began making his own instruments in 2003, and will use one of these in this concert.