In the unending quest to please the senses it is hard to imagine a more irresistible combination than good food and good music.  Throughout history the two have gone hand in hand and documents have survived testifying in detail to the most tremendous feasts and lavish entertainments during the period explored in this program (1220-1585) by The Orlando Consort, England’s leading male vocal quartet.

Chefs and musicians of the day proved themselves true masters of their crafts.  In music, composers intertwined beguiling melodies with sophisticated harmonies and rhythms, and matched vigorous popular tunes with stirring accompaniments.  Cookery was conceived both as a precise science and a complex art, and chefs availed themselves of a full range of herbs and spices to create dishes worthy of any grand occasion.  The dramatic combination of the two disciplines provides not only a fascinating picture of contemporary eating habits, but also a striking image of social life in general.