"The English Orpheus" is a title usually associated with Purcell, but it also served as the concept for The King's Consort's programme of orchestral music by 18th-century composers based in England. The King's Consort has a lyrical sweet tone in all its sections, and displayed a relaxed style of delivery compared with more cavalier period-instrument bands. While Robert King's tasteful moderation can occasionally go too far in more overtly dramatic vocal music, such qualities are ideal for this repertoire.
Much of Handel's finest orchestral music is found in his opera overtures. The King's Consort's approach to the overture to Tamerlano typified their talent for making polite music laced with ample gutsiness when required. The Allegro was intense, and rushed appropriately towards a climax without descending into abrasive recklessness. The overture to Berenice was even better, with an exquisite Andante and precise yet illustrative oboes shining through the texture. Neither were performances one would desire in the opera house, yet as concert music they were excellent.
The biggest revelation was a concerto grosso by York composer John Hebden. After a vivacious Allegro, the King's Consort judiciously set a flowing tempo for the tender central Siciliana, and the closing fast movement disarmingly exploded the myth that Handel was the only good composer in late Baroque Britain. Symphonies by Boyce and a concerto grosso by John Stanley sent out the same message.
King directed from the harpsichord, and this allowed him to have closer involvement with the music than when conducting in a conventional manner. King's judgment of tempos, talent for flowing between movements, and articulate communication of musical phrases was impressive, and it was enjoyable to experience the light-hearted visual communication with his players.
There was nothing in these performances to cause offence or shake the world, yet the audience was consistently charmed by plenty of civilised and thoughtful music-making. Perhaps that is ultimately the most important kind of authenticity.
