Harmonia Mundi: HMU907296

Press comments:

“Fretwork remain the world’s leading viol consort” The Independent

"For anyone wanting to get to grips with the myriad subtleties of Bach's contrapuntal writing their playing offers a wonderfully faithful guide." Andrew Clements, The Guardian

"J.S. BACH’s The Art of Fugue series is normally performed on keyboards, but there is nothing in the music to suggest that it cannot be played by a quartet of viols, as it is here. The viol consort has an otherworldly sound, while the sustained singing tone helps to bring out the four contrapuntal lines. The reedy sound and the austerity of the music could weigh heavily on the ear, but the players in Fretwork are careful to let the music breathe." Ivan Hewett, The Times

"Every line is an equal partner, so that the sinewy, well-defined sounds of viols suit it perfectly. And since Fretwork is the finest viol consort on the planet, this version is among the most desirable available." Stephen Pettitt, Evening Standard

Editor's Choice Gramophone Magazine