The Songs of the Grove - Kate Semmens, Steven Devine

The Songs of the Grove Kate Semmens – soprano Steven Devine – harpsichord

By the end of the 17th century, English song had truly found its own distinct form. The growing taste for ‘commercialised leisure’ led to the development of the Pleasure Gardens in the early 18th century. These were places where all classes of people were able to go, to stroll within beautiful avenues, to eat and enjoy music. The egalitarian attitude towards ticket prices meant that a noble man may find himself strolling beside his servant. Music involved large orchestras with guest appearances by the current favourite singers of the day. Composers and performers were stimulated by the rich environment, meeting with their peers, colleagues and rivals. The most commercially minded composers were prolific in writing songs that could be easily accessible and transferrable to the domestic environment to be sold as sheet music after performances. The songs reflect the city’s pastoral ideal of love in the countryside and this became a popular taste across music of the period. Kate and Steven perform songs which tell tales of the nymphs and shepherds of the grove, their love, lust and loss.