The Stage

Shakespeare’s Globe to release music through own label

Published Tuesday 26 August 2008 at 12:15 by Lalayn Baluch

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is set to launch its own record label in order to reach new audiences across the world.

Albums will be produced in-house, using modern studio techniques, under the banner of Globe Editions. They will be distributed in the UK and abroad by classical music company Select Music.

The first album, Elizabethan Street Songs, will be released in September. It is performed by early music expert and Globe musician Jim Bisgood and his band Tarleton’s Jig, using traditional instruments such as the sackbut, archlute and hurdy gurdy.

Shakespeare’s Globe marketing director Andrew MacNair, who spearheaded the project, said: “The Globe is a very unique performing arts venue, and music is a very integral part of all of the productions that we do. It struck us that we haven’t that celebrated enough.

“We have trained musicians who work here and understand the space, and in many cases they are using original instruments in a contemporary context. It is a very interesting mix.”

He explained that albums will not be based on the music from the theatre’s productions, but will be original works. There are currently no plans to release recordings of Shakespeare’s plays.

The next venture for Globe Editions will be entitled Shakespeare’s Lovers, and will feature the poet’s sonnets set to specially commissioned music by the theatre’s composers.

MacNair added: “It is opportunity to take the work of the Globe and reach new audiences, and that is something that we are always very keen to do. Obviously we want people, wherever they are in the world, to be able to experience our work. The medium of music seems the ideal way to do this.”