The King of Denmark’s Health: Renaissance Music from Denmark-Norway
When:
Sunday, May 17, 2026 3:00p -
4:15p
Sunday, May 17, 2026 3:00p -
4:15p
Where:
Somerville Museum
One Westwood Road (at Central St.)
Somerville, MA 02143
Admission:
$30
Hosted by:
Categories:
Accessible Spots, Art, History, Music
El Dorado Ensemble (Carol Lewis, Karen Burciaga, Mai-Lan Broekman, James Perretta and Alice Mroszczyk, viols; Olav Chris Henriksen, lute and orpharion) performs music from the Copenhagen court of Christian IV, including works by Dowland, Brade, Simpson, Borchgrevinck and others. Tickets are available at the door (cash or check only), with discounted prices of $25 for students, seniors and $20 for Somerville Museum members.
During his reign, Christian IV (1588-1648) of Denmark-Norway established in Copenhagen one of the largest and most highly-esteemed musical courts in Europe; musicians traveled far and wide to take part, including composer/performers from many countries such as Denmark, England, the Netherlands and Germany. Central at court was the ensemble of violas da gamba (called “viol consort”), and an especially rich heritage of five-part ensemble pavans, galliards, canzonas, ricercars and other works for this ensemble has survived. Well-known composers of viol consort music such as William Brade and Thomas Simpson will be represented in the program, as well as lesser-known composers like Melchior Borchgrevinck and Nicolo Gistou; Mr. Henriksen will also perform lute solos by Dowland and Maynard, and orpharion solos by Robinson. Featured in the concert will be several pieces dedicated to King Christian IV, including “The King of Denmark’s Delight” and “The King of Denmark’s Health” by Tobias Hume, a viol player and composer who worked as a mercenary soldier in Denmark.
The members of El Dorado Ensemble are all active Boston-area musicians, frequently heard in concerts and recordings throughout the region. Carol Lewis and Olav Chris Henriksen are two of America’s leading early musicians, performing in recitals individually and together, as well as with internationally acclaimed ensembles including Boston Camerata, Hespèrion XXI, Capriccio Stravagante, Waverly Consort, and Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra.
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