Our Programs
The following are examples of the programs we have done in the past. Please contact us if you're interested in booking Riverview for an event.
For Love and Liberty
For Love and Liberty: Music from Colonial America
In celebration of our country’s 250th birthday, Riverview Early Music presents a program of vocal and instrumental music from the American Colonial period. Featuring a broad range of genres — including sacred hymns, pop and theatre music, lively dance tunes, dramatic ballads, and finally, stirring songs of rebellion — Riverview will give audiences an opportunity to experience the sounds and stories that shaped everyday life in Colonial America, and, in particular, music that would have been heard during the 1770s, from the streets and pubs to the dance hall, and from the parlors of the founding fathers to the battlefield.
The Field of the Cloth of Gold
The Field of the Cloth of Gold:
Musical exchange between England and France
In June of 1520, King Henry VIII of England and King Francis I of France met in the English-ruled territory of Pale of Calais in northern France for a summit meant to strengthen the bond between the two monarchs following the Anglo-French treaty of 1514. A dazzling display of clothing, food, music, and other activities, the meeting became known as the Field of the Cloth of Gold. Our program begins with music that may have been performed at this historic meeting. From there, we follow the exchange of musical ideas between England and France for the next two hundred years, includi
Both Sides of the Harvest Moon
Both Sides of the Harvest Moon is a program of Renaissance, Baroque, and traditional music that pays homage to the wonders of the Fall Season. As the program begins, we celebrate the Hunt and the Harvest, with music from the court of Henry VIII as well as traditional ballads, dances, and airs from the English and French countrysides. For the second half, we venture into the dark of the Night where the “magic” happens, with songs by Henry Purcell and Robert Johnson, and instrumental dances tunes from John Playford and Anthony Holborne. We end the program with a set of colorful songs from different folk traditions around the world that resonate with our own Halloween.
Shakespeare on Love
There is a huge body of delightful music that would have been familiar to Shakespeare and his audiences. In the plays themselves, there are indications of songs that were actually performed on stage, both direct and subtle references to popular music of the day, and lyrics or lyric fragments written by the bard himself. For this program, we have narrowed in on the part of that repertoire that touches on the theme of love - a theme that feels familiar and helps us relate to the people of Shakespeare’s time.
Chanson
Chanson is an all-French program by Riverview Lute Song Duo. Half of this program focuses on some of the earliest music for voice and lute from France, much of which was published by Pierre Attaingnant. The other half comes from the transitional period between the Renaissance and Baroque. Composers include Dufay, Binchois, Sermisy, Robert Ballard, Moulinié, and Vallet.
Oh, Let us Howl
Throughout history, humans have found ways to deal with the aspects of life that cause fear. In this program, we explore music that allowed people to express their fear, cry together, and even laugh at the things that would otherwise be impossible to face. Works by John Dowland, Thomas Campion, Henry Purcell, Robert Johnson, and others, along with old English folk tunes and dance music, will tell stories of ghosts, witches, pirates, gypsies, murder, and death. Let us face our fears and howl together!
To Heal a Broken Heart
To Heal a Broken Heart is a program that explores one of the most basic of human themes, a broken heart. Whether it be from loss, misfortune, or unrequited love, everyone understands heartache, and music has a unique ability to express the pain of heartache while also offering relief and comfort. Experience tragic tales from the folk tradition as well as more intricate lute song repertory that will break your heart and, at the same time, soothe your soul with their beauty.
Ecco la Primavera
Ecco la Primavera is a collection of music that embodies the spirit of spring. Spanning Medieval, Renaissance, and early Baroque periods, these pieces are sure to delight as they celebrate Spring bursting forth from the earth — sun and warmer weather; forests and fields abundant with flowers and birdsong; and of course, young love.
Now Winter Nights: Carols by Candlelight
This program will take your breath away with hauntingly beautiful melodies from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, as well as delicate arrangements of more modern favorites. From familiar tunes like "What Child is This?" (originally the lute-song "Greensleeves") to lesser known songs like "Now Winter Nights" (originally published in 1617, but possibly your new favorite holiday song), this program is sure to be the perfect escape from seasonal hustle and bustle.
Hey for Christmas!
In contrast to our Candlelight programs, Hey for Christmas! is made up of exciting celebratory Christmas songs from across Europe. The program includes some of the oldest known Latin songs, beautiful French melodies, and exciting Spanish rhythms. We also explore the more familiar English traditions with wassailing songs, holiday dances, and broadside ballads including "Hey for Christmas," a real toe-tapper from which this program draws its name.