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Some of America's most dynamic Baroque performers present a mix of virtuoso chamber pieces and their own arrangements of traditional tunes from Scotland, Ireland, and England - from toe-tapping Celtic reels and jigs to melancholy instrumental ballads and English country dances.
The popular spirit of the British Isles strongly infused the works by some of the master composers of the time also presented here, including the touching and vivid Sonata on Scots Tunes by James Oswald and a brilliant variation set on another Scots tune by Veracini. Other highlights include Henry Purcell's sublime Three Parts on a Ground, a set of dances from the English court masque, and a cheeky sonata by Matthew Locke.
Musica Pacifica brings their customary high energy, superb musicianship, and powerful communicative powers to this catchy and unusual program.
Judith Linsenberg, recorders and whistle
Elizabeth Blumenstock and Robert Mealy, baroque violins
David Morris, baroque 'cello, viola da gamba
Charles Sherman, harpsichord
Charles Weaver, theorbo, baroque guitar
Peter Maund, percussion
Dancing in the Isles by Musica Pacifica