The successful Playford family of publishers played an important role in the musical life of 17th-century London: around 1650, they supplied large sections of the population with a constant supply of fresh sheet music for domestic and social music-making. The catchy instrumental movements and dances offered Londoners a welcome distraction from the political turmoil during the Civil War. The Playfords, an ensemble named after the historic Playfords, makes some of these colorful, varied pieces available again to today’s listeners in authentic interpretations.
| John Playford (1623 – 1686) | ||
| 1. | Bellamira / Bobbing Joe | 4:12 |
| 2. | Newcastle Round for eight | 1:56 |
| 3. | Hearts Ease – „Sing care away“ | 1:57 |
| 4. | Scotch Cap Longways for six (5 dancing verses) | 2:14 |
| 5. | Oranges and Lemons Square for four couples | 2:02 |
| 6. | Jenny Pluck Pears Round for six | 4:09 |
| 7. | An Italian Rant – “Fuggi fuggi da’ lieti amanti“ | 1:48 |
| 8. | Epping Forrest | 4:26 |
| 9. | Lilli Burlero – „Ho Brother Teague“ Longways for as many as will | 6:21 |
| English Traditional anonymous (16th century) | ||
| 10. | The Star of the Country Down – “A constant Wife” | 7:17 |
| 11. | Blacke Almaine Almain for as many as will | 5:01 |
| Thomas Campion (1567 – 1620) | ||
| 12. | I care not for these Ladies Circle of Couples | 2:51 |
| John Playford | ||
| 13. | The Indian Queen Longways for as many as will | 4:00 |
| 14. | Upon a Summer’s day – “I Smell a Rat” Longways for six | 2:10 |
| 15. | Jamaica – “The Joviall Broome Man” | 5:44 |
| Henry Purcell (1659 – 1695) | ||
| 16. | Gentle Sheperds – An Elegy on the Death of Mr. John Playford | 5:06 |
| Total time: | 1:01:24 | |
