Music ‘full of love’

Press, 6 September 1982, Page 6

Music ‘full of love’

If music be the food of love then Emma Kirkby and Anthony Rooley are the artists to play on. Mr Rooley, a lute player, arrived in Christchurch yesterday with Miss Kirkby. a soprano, to prepare for a recital at the State Trinity Theatre this evening. '■Mr Rooley said that his style of music, a reflection of the Renaissance period, was full of love. The London-based pair's latest album. “Madrigali

Erotici," by Claudio Monteverdi, would appear to back that belief. Both artists came to New Zealand at the invitation of the Early Music Union, in Wellington, to perform and teach at the Early Music School held there last week. Mr Rooley and Miss Kirkby have worked together for about eight years. Fascinated by the music of the Renaissance, Mr Rooley felt a need to “rediscover” its style. People were aware

of Elizabethan drama, architecture. and paintings but the music of the time was hot developed, Mr Rooley said. . “The music is as great an art as the others and it is gathering momentum throughout the world.” Miss Kirkby was originally a teacher “who sang for fun" until the fun took control. The pair joined forces and embarked on a career that has taken them to most pats of the world, including the Middle East.

"I took the lute back to the country of its origin really, as it is an Arabic instrument.” Mr Rooley said. During their tours, both artists cover music from 1480 to 1700, though Miss Kirkby often peforms works by Bach, Handel, and Mozart. As performers and teachers they are "fully booked for the next two j'ears.” “I think we must be striking the right chord with many people,” Mr Rooley said.