Holborne: The night watch

"Beer and the viola da gamba both arrived in England in the space of a year, in the reign of King Henry VII”, wrote Henry Peacham. And yet it was not until the following reign, that of Henry VIII, that the latter instrument gained its noble status. The high point, however, occurred in the long reign of Elizabeth I (1558-1603).

The consort song had its origin partly in the theatre, partly in madrigals inspired by the Italians, then very much in vogue. Fashionable English composers write songs, airs and dance pieces that would embody this uniquely English phenomenon; among them John Dowland and Anthony Holborne, who feature prominently on this disc, both leading figures in Elizabethan music. With his ensemble Musicall Humors, Julien Léonard has managed to create a viol consort of astonishing homogeneity, offset by the delicate presence at times of a lute, at times of a cittern, a harpsichord, the virginals or organ. The sonorities are round, warm, velvety, and for her first solo disc, the voice of Eugénie Warnier lies with unforced delicacy upon this instrumental duvet.

A festive celebration of Christmas featuring music from 12th to 17th century Europe, played by the UK's leading early brass ensemble and friends, including virginals, bagpipes, drums, recorders, singers, and a Rommel-pot.

Features the typical instruments, composers and styles that were current in Elizabethan England. Dances (both courtly and rustic), songs, anthems, viol consorts, recorder consorts, lute solos and music for virginals, shawms, cornetts, curtals, etc. The album is a compilation drawn from our catalogue and serves as an excellent introduction to the fine music of this period.