This premiere by the New London Consort was in many ways a gem – a charming collection of mostly 17th-century miniatures (by several composers) written to accompany the Shakespeare play.

The singers and period instrument band were captivating, spirited, balanced, enthusiastic and could not be faulted.

But the evening felt a little flat initially. The Dome is much loved but here felt too big and impersonal. Was the standing area intended to emulate the Globe Theatre, or because of the cost of putting the seats back in? Whichever, it was mostly empty lending the event a forlorn air.

The concept seemed sound but lacked real drama until the second half when the alternation between dance pieces and songs (of which Dry Those Eyes was the most beautiful), aided by the varied sounds of recorder, trumpet and serpent, created some shape and contrast.

An opportunity was lost to use the back-projection of storm-tossed seas instead to give form to the concept by linking scenes from the play to each of the musical pieces.

Perhaps some programming weaknesses here for the Festival, but nevertheless this was a great performance of some rarely heard music, clearly welcomed by a very appreciative audience.