Greek Myths and Golden Age of Portuguese polyphony

[doversoul]

Saturday
King Joao IV of Portugal (Repeat)
Catherine Bott talks to Owen Rees about the musical legacy of King Joao IV of Portugal and the so-called Golden Age of Portuguese polyphony
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00yy926

I very much enjoyed this when it was first broadcast.

Sunday
From the early years of Renaissance, composers portrayed subjects from Greek mythology. These stories provided particular inspiration as the new operatic genre took hold in the early 17th century. The 18th century saw the philosophical revolution of the Enlightenment spread throughout Europe and accompanied by a certain reaction against Greek myth, there was a tendency to insist on the scientific and philosophical achievements of Ancient Greece. The myths, however, continued to provide an important source of raw material for dramatists and composers. Lucie Skeaping introduces a diverse selection of early music inspired by these Greek myths, including works by Monteverdi, Handel, Purcell, Cavalli, Rameau and Gluck
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01jxs5p

It does start with Orfeo but the rest looks very good.

[ardcarp]

Saturday
King John IV of Portugal (Repeat)
Catherine Bott talks to Owen Rees about the musical legacy of King Joao IV of Portugal and the so-called Golden Age of Portuguese polyphony

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00yy926

What a great programme....I didn't hear it the first time round. A capella portuguesa directed by Owen Rees deserves to be better known! The only well-known piece supposedly by John of Portugal (and which has long been suspected as a doubtful product of that regal Iberian pen)) is Crux Fidelis which was neverthelass sung along with plainsong bits. But there was lots of contemporaneous music performed, and for me Rebelo, King John's musical confidante, was a discovery. John IV reputedly amassed a huge music library, found time to compose and perform, coincidentally managing to enlarge and enrich the Portuguese Empire to its greatest ever.

[doversoul]

Greek Myths: Sunday
This was a charming programme. Nothing serious or deep but most enjoyable.

ardcarp

A capella portuguesa directed by Owen Rees deserves to be better known!

They do indeed. (e.g.)
http://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/a.asp?a=A1144