Back in the UK, and a splendid celebratory evening at Wheatley Manor House exploring the Restoration of Charles II in words and music (not to mention 17th century food as well). The best bit was the last, and a selection from Playford’s songsheets, as well as more highbrow music from the likes of Pelham Humphrey. These were excellently sung by Sarah Stowe, and she was expertly accompanied on the theorbo by Matthew Spring, who also displayed his skills on the baroque guitar and the cittern. Earlier we’d had dances to the hurdy gurdy in the manor gardens, but the pastoral delights were more refined in the evening recital captured in my sneaky photograph.
