BREMF – Sound House – The Society of Strange and Ancient Instruments

It’s fitting that this year’s BREMF should end looking both backwards and towards the future. Subtitled “Francis Bacon and the Nature of Sound”, this programme examined the legacy of the Jacobethan polymath’s studies in sound. Reconstructions of antique instruments were demonstrated and these sensitive musicians then played period works modified by Jon Nicholls’ electronic remastering. The old melded carefully with the cutting-edged new. Sometimes a little self-indulgent, it was a timely reminder that all exponents of early (or any) music continually analyse the sounds they offer in the most modern scientific terms. The joy came from their pleasure in performance.

St George’s Church, 13 November 2016

Rating: