In Guilty Night
Or, Saul and the Witch of Endor
Holy Trinity Church, Rotherhithe, SE16 5HF
Musica Antica present a programme for Halloween, of music by Henry Purcell centred on the eeriest of his works: Saul and the Witch of Endor.
Feeling as though God has deserted him, the Israelite king Saul seeks help from a witch - one of the last of her kind following his persecution of sorcerers - in order to raise the dead prophet Samuel for advice. She raises Samuel only for him to tell Saul that he will be dead within a day.
This is one of Purcell's most spectacular works, utilising all his musical powers to create a short drama which is simultaneously intense, intimate and haunting. It will be performed alongside Purcell's lesser-known and equally haunting anthems for three voices, and some of his best-loved and most moving airs for solo voice.
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As ever, a bar selling wine, soft drinks and Holy Trinity's famous home-infused gins will be open from 7pm.
This concert will finish at 9pm.
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Programme
Henry Purcell
In Guilty Night
Plung'd in the confines of despair
Hear me, O Lord
Remember, Lord, not our offenses
O, Solitude
O, I'm sick of life
An evening hymn
Since God so tender a regard
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Musica Antica
Camilla Seale mezzo soprano
Tristram Cooke countertenor
Oliver Doyle tenor
Joachim Sabbat bass
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