Much Ado About Love

Doubt you to whom my Muse these notes intendeth,

Which now my breast o'ercharged to music lendeth?

To you, to you, all song of praise is due;

Only in you my song begins and endeth.

(Sir Philip Sidney, Astrophel and Stella, "First Song")

Truly, there is much ado about love, and in this year's new recital program offered by the Knoxville Early Music Project (KEMP) we seek to explore the mysteries and delights of this force that makes the world go round.  I can't think of a serious composer who didn't write songs about love. In our new program, we look to Henry Purcell, Claudio Monteverdi, James Oswald, Barbara Strozzi, and the ever famous Anonymous for insights.  Many poems guide the way, as well, and we have chosen a handful that compliment the music.

There is discovery, danger, the leaving-behind, delusion and devotion.  From good to bad, high to low – we present songs, instrumentals, and readings to show the colors and textures of a wonderful tapestry.  Overall, there is hope, in spite of the loss or risk one experiences in love.  Music has always captured the best of human reactions to love, and we hope this music translates those emotions for the listener.

KEMP offers a new program for the 2007-2008 concert season. This program, titled Much Ado About Love, presents songs of love in many of its kinds and colors (from fiery to sublime). The program will feature composers as varied as Henry Purcell, James Oswald, Barbara Strozzi, Girolamo Kapsberger, and Claudio Monteverdi.  More information to come on concert performances located in:

• Hendersonville, North Carolina;
• Athens, Tennessee (Tennessee Weslyan College );
• Oak Ridge, Tennessee; and
• Morristown, Tennessee.

A1LabArts Spring 2003 Exhibition, "WIDE OPEN" "KEMP's lutenist, Thomas Tallant, performed, March 21 and March 28th. On the 28th, Thomas performed with poet Robert Lydick."

"Sound & Spirit of the Tennessee Valley" Daron Douglas (former member) and members of Kemp were heard in a special program/concert recorded in January 2003 when Ellen Kushner, host of PRI's Sound & Spirit, visited Knoxville. The show was broadcast on Sunday, February 9, at 6:00 p.m. Contact WUOT-FM (91.9 on the FM dial) for more information: www.wuot.org

Noel! December 13th, 2002, 7:00 p.m. The Laurel Theater, Knoxville, Tennessee KEMP's Annual Christmas Concert Did you know that the lute and crumhorn are all the rage up at the North Pole? Come get into the holiday spirit, check out a cozy and historic venue, and listen to the sounds of Christmas from the elder ages. KEMP's Christmas Program features tunes from the 16thth to the 19th centuries. There are always some surprises! Refreshments are served, so, bring your family, and pass the hot cider, won't you?

October 15th, 2002, 7:30 p.m. Western Carolina University The Road to Kilkenny 17th Century Music from England, Ireland, and Scotland Another performance of our popular program of courtly, dramatic, and instrumental music from the British Isles.

October 11th, 2002, 7:00 p.m. Arrowmont College, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 17th Century Songs and Instrumentals Music from Italy and England Join us at Arrowment College for a fun program of lively and entertaining songs and instrumentals!

September 23rd, 2002, 8:00 p.m. Francis Marion University, Florence, South Carolina The Road to Kilkenny 17th Century Music from England, Ireland and Scotland A musical journey from the English court to the hills of Ireland.

September 19th, 2002, 11:00 a.m. Tennessee Weslyan College, Athens, Tennessee Oh, Sanctissima Sacred Music from Italy and England We will be performing an hour-long program of sacred works at Trinity Methodist Church.