Much ado about new RSC CDs of music and speeches

Published: 17 October 2014
Reporter: Steve Orme

Cover of the new CD of music and speeches from Love's Labour's Lost

The Royal Shakespeare Company is releasing CDs of original music and speeches from the current productions of Love’s Labour’s Lost and Love’s Labour’s Won, better known as Much Ado About Nothing.

Christopher Luscombe is making his RSC directing debut with the two plays which are in repertoire in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre as part of a season marking the centenary of World War I.

RSC head of music Bruce O’Neil says, “Christopher Luscombe’s pairing of these Shakespeare plays has presented composer Nigel Hess with a wonderful opportunity to reflect musical styles either side of the Great War, a time when music had a huge significance for the nation.

“They evoke a golden age of both classical and popular music, ranging from sentimental love songs and patriotic marches through Elgarian pomp to music hall.”

The CDs will also feature music by Raymond Leppard from the 1956 production of Love’s Labour’s Lost, directed by Sir Peter Hall, and by Louis Applebaum from the 1961 production of Much Ado which was directed by Michael Langham.

There are bonus tracks from Nigel Hess who worked on the 1982 production directed by Terry Hands and Ian Judge’s play in 1993.

The RSC is releasing a series of recordings of scores composed for Shakespeare’s plays. Highlights from older scores by significant composers of the 20th century will continue to be included; some of the music has not been heard since the original performances.

The CDs cost £5 each and can be ordered from the RSC shop.

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