Before electric guitars, there were viola de gamas. Before trombones and saxophones,

there were krumhorns and sopranios. Centuries before modern American music like that

heard on the radio everyday, there was Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque tunes.

On Friday afternoon, the United Methodist Church gave Suffolk a listen to music of

generations past at the Fayre Laydes Musicke production. Since 1987, the four Fayre

females have been performing their style of much older music across Hampton Roads,

especially at the Historic St. Luke’s Church in Isle of Wight, where they help to raise

funds for the restoration and preservation of the sanctuary’s chamber organ.

&uot;I love early music,&uot; said church music director Chris Ward. &uot;This was just an

opportunity for them to come and share with our neck of the woods. It’s important for

Suffolk to hear all types of music.&uot;

After an opening prayer, the impromptu conference began with selections from the work

of Erasmus Wildemann, then on to showings from Juan del Encina and John Playford.

Armed with their flute-like recorders and other 1600-esque instruments, the ensemble

played &uot;Greensleeves,&uot; similar to the legendary Christmas carol, &uot;I Saw Three Ships,&uot;

then moved to Michael Praetorious’ &uot;Packlington’s Pound,&uot; and &uot;Watkin’s Ale.&uot;

&uot;Some of these instruments disappeared after 1640 or 1650,&uot; said performer Deborah

Ogan. &uot;What we play depends on who we’re playing for; if we’re at a church, we put on

a more sacred performance.&uot;

United’s offerings were sound in more ways than one, said band member Mary Norris.

&uot;The acoustics made this a great place to play,&uot; she said. &uot;The audience was really

appreciative.&uot;

At a luncheon afterward, several members showed how true that way. Rebecca Stovall

and her daughter Baylee feasted on vegetable soup and sandwiches.

&uot;We enjoy hearing a variety of music,&uot; Rebecca said. &uot;We’ve been to previous programs

here, and we’re always liked them.&uot;

&uot;I like coming here because of all the music,&uot; Baylee said. &uot;I like listening to Jesus music

on the radio, and this was different. It was pretty OK. I liked hearing the different

instruments.&uot;

jason.norman@suffolknewsherald.com