Originating as a sexy dance in South America, the ‘chacona’ crossed the Atlantic and established itself in Spain as an irresistible temptation. In 1615, it was banned from Spanish theatres for being ‘lascivious, dishonest, offensive to pious ears’, but the attractions of the chaconne held sway. From The Ground Up traces its allure, from early Spanish chaconnes through to the worlds of Purcell and Piccini, and Bach’s magisterial example for solo violin. Adding a new lease of life to this classic compositional form, Purcell’s ground basses furnish a harmonic groove for Shakespeare readings by British actor Samuel West, which are accompanied by New York rapper Baba Israel.
