On Saturday, after spending a few hours in the Lakes, we enjoyed a performance by the wonderful Eden Baroque, at Higham Hall.
We absolutely adore Eden Baroque's music and, I fear, are in danger of becoming groupies! Listening to them in the beautiful Higham Hall is simply an added bonus. Last night their programme was entitled Maestros of Italy and included music by Corelli, Caccini, Caldara, Carissimi, Scarlatti, Marcello and more.
Some of the pieces were familiar and others including Caccini and Marcello were completely new. There are always a few surprises thrown in and these are thoroughly enjoyable.
He was in his person a large made and very portly man. His gait, which was ever sauntering, was rather ungraceful, as it has in somewhat of that rocking motion, which distinguishes those whose legs are bowed. His features were finely marked, and general cast of his countenance placid, bespeaking dignity attempered with benevolence, and every quality of the heart that has a tendency to beget confidence and insure esteem. Few of the pictures extant of him are to any tolerable likenesses, except one painted abroad, from a print whereof the engraving given of him in this work is taken: in the print of him by Houbraken, the features are too prominent; and in the mezzotinto after Hudson there is a harshness of aspect to which his countenance was a stranger; the most perfect resemblance of him is the statue on his monument, and in that the true lineaments of his face are apparent.
A very enjoyable evening.