Bal Baroque
Sat 7 June at 6pmThe Cousins’ Ball : Dances from the time of Louis XIV & Charles II
Dances called by Talitha MacKenzie, Interval Performance by Autrefois. Live music on period instruments by Tim Macdonald & Claire Garabedian
While King Louis XIV reigned in France (1643-1715), his 1st cousin, Charles II, was on the throne in Britain (1660-1685). During this time, there was a flowering of dance and music publications in both nations and their influence upon each other went back and forth across the Channel. Although many dances from the Recüeil de contredances mises en chorégraphie (Raoul Auger Feüillet, 1706), bear a striking similarity to English Country Dances (published by John Playford), the French and British dances retain their own national flavour.
Now you can step back in time and enjoy these dances that were so popular then and continue in popularity to the present day. Experience the jubilant ‘Bonne Amitié’ (to the English tune ‘Jameko’) and ‘Matelote’ (set to a melody by Marin Marais from the opera Alcyone), as well as the Playford dances ‘Edinburgh Castle’ and ‘Mr Beveridge’s Maggot’, along with the oldest documented Scottish Country Dance ‘John Anderson, my jo’ (to a tune later made famous by Robert Burns).
The event begins with an informal run-through of some of the dances, after which there will be time for the donning of costumes and attending to make-up and hair. After an introductory bransle, the ‘king’ will open the dance with a courante (as in the famous painting by Hieronymus Janssens), followed by a mix of country dances for all Courtiers. Chaperones may be seated throughout or be called upon, occasionally, to make up a set.
An exquisite meal at Le Bistrot, with wine (or alternative beverage), will be served at 8 PM for all ticket holders. There will then be a performance by Historical Dance & Music Ensemble Autrefois, after which the programme of country dances will resume until bells at 10.00 PM.
For all who wish to prepare in advance, classes run on alternate Tuesdays at the Institut français d’Écosse from 7-9 PM and there will be a longer workshop on Saturday 31st May. Join the mailing list to receive alerts by contacting info@sonasmultimedia.co.uk.
