Gather ye Rosebuds (2000)

Folger Consort performed Gather ye Rosebuds from April 28 to April 30, 2000 at the Folger's Elizabethan Theatre. William Lawes, composer to the English court in the 1630s, wrote the charming, if mildly cautionary, song of this program’s title. His brother Henry collaborated with such writers as John Milton, producing some of the most impressive settings of the English language prior to Purcell. Many were performed as part of the grand entertainments at the court of Charles I, the king having gathered his share of rosebuds before his time rather abruptly flew with Cromwell. Charles extravagantly supported a vast establishment of musicians, including renowned players of viol, violin, and harp, who helped to produce the extraordinarily rich repertory of music sampled here.

William Lawes – "commonly called the Father of Musick" Charles I

John Elwes has performed extensively in Europe and participated in over 100 recordings during his distinguished career.

John Elwes “is an extraordinarily stylish singer...." Irish Times

Siobhán Armstrong "matched poetry with poetry, distilling an intimate mood through her feather-light touch." Washington Post

Artists

Folger Consort

Artistic Directors

• Robert Eisenstein: viols, violin
• Christopher Kendall: lute, archlute

Guest artists

• Siobhán Armstrong: Irish harp, double harp
• John Elwes: tenor
• A Court Ensemble of viols and violins