Sophisticated and elegant French lute songs
Light As Air
Those eyes for which I die of love...
Join us for an evening of songs by Michel Lambert, Étienne Moulinié, and Antoine Boësset as we explore courtly airs for voices and lute. Airs de cour - songs of the court - were a genre of secular song popularized at court and salon gatherings in 17th century France. While on the face these songs seem simple, they are supremely sophisticated and elegant, offering both singer and listener an intimate connection with the poetry. We look forward to sharing this program with Philadelphia just after the New York performances.
Plan Your Experience
Creative Team
Artistic Director
Jolle Greenleaf
Program Curator
James Reese
Performers
Soprano
Jolle Greenleaf
Alto
Elisa Sutherland
Tenor
James Reese
Bass
Paul Max Tipton
Lutes
Brandon Acker and Hank Heijink
Complete Your Experience
Make an evening of seeing Tenet! Our team is gathering recommendations for nearby restaurants, ideal for a pre-show dinner or post-performance drink. Check back soon for more information!
Get to Know the Music
Airs de cour are often simple, gorgeous melodies, sung through twice with florid embellishments added the second time. This performance by James Reese and lutenist Brandon Acker also features historical, 17th-century pronunciation of the French text, which lends a rustic, pastoral character to this song about finding oneself in the woods.