The Cries of London

Red Byrd
Fretwork

Viol consort Fretwork and vocal ensemble Red Byrd bring 16th century London to life through a series of intricate works fusing bawdy songs and sounds of the hubbub of the city’s streets with refined music for viols.

In 1530 London’s population was around 50,000 people. By 1605 it had swelled to 230,000 and London’s thriving streets were the place to buy and sell, with merchants shouting loud to penetrate the hubbub of everyday life. These ‘cries’ caught the attention of leading composers who set them to music in lively sound-portraits, which are brought to life once again in this performance.