“And they have taken on the English manner, and have followed Dunstable, wherefore a marvelous delight renders their singing joyous and distinguished.”
“Et ont prins de la contenance Angloise et ensuy Dunstable, pout quoy merveilleuse plaisance rend leur chant Joyeux et notable
                                                      — Martin le France, Le champion des dames, 1441

Before Byrd: Music in the English Manner

Sunday, Jan. 28 at 4 p.m. | First Presbyterian Church of New Haven (704 Whitney Ave., New Haven)
FREE; donations welcome

The Elm City Consort with vocalists Elisa Sutherland, Garrett Eucker, and Andrew Padgett ​​

This well-known quote referring to “the English manner” (la contenance Angloise) indicates that by the middle of the 15th century a distinct English musical style was recognized and admired on the Continent. As with other national or regional styles, attempts to precisely define “the English Manner” leave many questions unanswered. In this program, we trace English musical composition from the earliest known songs of the 12th century to early Renaissance masterworks of John Dunstable (1390-1453) and his followers. We invite you to join us for this exploration of the development of a national musical style.​​


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