An Evening at the Theatre is a reconstruction of the musical part of a masque as it might have been performed in a London theatre around 1685. The English masque, inspired in part by the commedia dell'arte and French ballet, was a courtly entertainment combining instrumental music, dance, theatre, song, and pantomime. This program reflects the rich heritage of the masque tradition during a period of musical transition, featuring elements of English art music, John Playford's country dances, and Scottish folk music. The performance includes an antemasque, a 'Spectacle of Strangeness,' where grotesque costumes and exaggerated gestures by professional actors embody witches, furies, and exotic animals.

• Genre: Classical, Folk, Pop

• Format: Audio CD