THE KING'S NOYSE AT ST. PHILIP'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, FEBRUARY 9,
1997.

     The Mississippi Academy of Ancient Music presented The King's 
Noyse in a concert of 17th-century English ballads for voice and 
violin band entitled "The Queen's Delight".  Members of the group
were David Douglass, director and violin; Robert Mealy, violin and
viola; Scott Metcalfe, viola; Margriet Tindemans, viola; Emily
Walhout, bass violin; Ellen Hargis, soprano; and Paul O'Dette,
lute and cittern.  
     The performance opened with a medley of three pieces: "Jog on",
"Boatman", and "Trip and go".  The first piece, "Jog on", was sung by
Hargis with two violins, two violas, bass violin, and cittern
accompanying.  This was the only occasion during the evening when the
singer was out of balance with the instruments, being somewhat
overpowered.  The second and third pieces in this medley were for
instruments alone and provided an early indicator of the ensemble's
substantial performing skills.  These skills became increasingly
evident as the concert continued.  Of special note during the first
half of the program was "Browning" by the great English composer
William Byrd.  One of only two pieces on the entire program whose
composer is known, "Browning" was probably the most sophisticated
piece in terms of contrapuntal style, with its intensity building as
the opening theme was passed from one instrument to the next.
"Barbara Allen's Cruelty" was the final piece before intermission.  
Hargis' voice was very clear, sustained, and lyrical.
     The concert's second half began with perhaps the most unusual 
piece of the evening, "O nachbar Roland", by the great German composer
Samuel Schiedt.  This rather lengthy canzona based on an English ballad
was another example of the instrumental ensemble's skill at performing
complex contrapuntal music successfully.  Paul O'Dette, a perennial
favorite in the Academy's most recent seasons, was featured on the
cittern in "Grimstock" and on the lute in "Mal's Sin". As always, he
displayed a virtuosic technique that made the difficulties seem
effortless.  The concluding group of pieces began with "The happy
meeting" and "Mr. Isaac's maggot", both for instruments, followed by
"Nottingham ale", a rousing song that the performers seemed to enjoy
as much as the audience did.  Another drinking song was chosen as an 
encore.
     This was truly a "delight"-ful concert, with the members of The 
King's Noyse sharing their enjoyment and playfulness with the audience.
Because of continuing cutbacks in federal funding of the arts, however,
concerts of this type and caliber can only be possible through your
support.  The Mississippi Academy of Ancient Music appreciates your
attendance and contributions.

-Frank T. Laney