BREMF – Calcutta – Ensemble Tempus Fugit

Conjuring up Calcutta in chilly November will always be a challenge but lighting, a sitar and plenty of imagination created some good effects. Katie De La Matter’s well prepared band (prepared for anything, even local salvos of seasonal fireworks) successfully made the transition from modal 18th century English Air to Sophia Plowden’s crossover Indian version (1780). Unfortunately the amplified sitar swamped the acoustic instruments, particularly the lute and harpsichord, but English countertenor James Hall and Indian classical vocalist Debipriya Sircar merged divinely in the haunting tune of ‘The girl I left behind me’, ending their simple tale of love beautifully.

St Bartholomew’s Church, 5 November 2017

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