The Cross of Snow: Songs of Loss and Love

Second City Musick is proud to have given the world premiere performance of “The Cross of Snow,” by composer John Harbison in 2016. Commissioned by William John Wartmann in memory of his late wife, this stunning work blends the ethereal lushness of violas da gamba with the haunting clarity of the countertenor voice to explore the emotions of grief, loss and love.  Acclaimed countertenor Nathan Medley and guest viol player Brady Lanier join Second City Musick for this concert, which also includes works from the early baroque by William Byrd, John Dowland, Henry Purcell and John Jenkins.

 

Tandernaken: Popular Music from 15th Century Flanders

For this program, Second City Musick goes back to the very beginning. Music has been around for thousands of years, but the first book of printed music was published in 1501. A man by the name of Ottaviano Petrucci compiled nearly 100 of the best and most famous secular tunes of the day into a book that he aptly titled Harmonice Musices Odhecaton, or 100 Songs of Harmonic Music. We will perform some of our favorite works from this collection by composers such as Josquin des Prez and Jacob Obrecht, and we will challenge you to choose your favorite rendition of the classic renaissance pop song, “Tandernaken.” Travel back in time with us to the 15th century and explore this beautiful and rarely performed music!

 

Fairest Isle: Music for voice and viol from the late Renaissance and early Baroque

This program is a collection of some of our favorite English tunes. Some naughty, some nice, and all stunningly beautiful, these songs and viol consort pieces will surely delight. Featured composers include William Byrd, Thomas Tallis, Orlando Gibbons and Henry Purcell.

 

Strays and Faves

Certain pieces in the viol consort repertoire seem to have no home. They might not be part of a collection, or perhaps they are written by an anonymous composer, or quite possibly they are just an odd little ditty about a clock. While these pieces may stray from the pack, they are too good to let slip through the cracks. We have assembled some of our favorite of these divergent works into an entertaining and quirky collection of their own.