The Early Music Show - Purcell Weekend - Catches and Glees

Lucie Skeaping visits the George Inn in Southwark to join a meeting of the Merrie Fellowes Catch Club. With club chairman Patrick Johns, she traces the rise and fall of the catch and the glee and their demise since the 18th century. After the publication of Thomas Ravenscroft's collection of songs, Pammelia, in 1609, the singing of rounds and catches became immensely popular. One of the most famous composers to indulge in these often licentious verses was Henry Purcell, but there are also other composers represented in this programme, such as William Byrd, Henry Lawes, Lord Mornington, John Isham, Thomas Lant, Maurice Greene and Simon Webbe. But not all catches or glees were based on the age-old triumvirate of Wine, Women and Song - some are settings of religious texts, with attractive harmonies and gentle lilting rhythms. Playlist: All music performed by the Merrie Fellowes Catch Club unless otherwise stated. Purcell: Now, Now We Are Met John Isham: When Celia was learning on the spinet to play The City Waites REGIS RRC 1175, Tr 20 Thomas Lant: Jenkin the Jester John Hilton: Here lies a woman Henry Lawes: O Absalom my son Purcell: Farewell to wives Purcell: Now, Now We Are Met Purcell: If all be true that I do think, there are five reasons why we should drink Purcell: Once, twice, thrice I Julia tried, the scornful puss as oft denied Purcell: My lady's coachman John, being married to her maid The Merry Companions DORIAN DOR-90155, Tr 13 John Eccles: My man John Maurice Greene: My mistress, horse and wife Benjamin Cooke: Epitaph on a dormouse Pro Cantione Antiqua CONIFER CDCF 145, Tr 2 Thomas Warren: Country sports Lord Mornington: See, the bowl sparkles Samuel Webbe (Snr): When winds breathe soft The Scholars L'Oiseau Lyre DSLO 33, Side 1, Band 2 Purcell: Tom making a manteau The City Waites REGIS RRC 1175, Tr 20 John Wall Calcott: O snatch me swift (excerpt) The Scholars L'Oiseau Lyre DSLO 33, Side 2, Band 1 Byrd: Hey ho, to the greenwood.