Banister: Divisions On A Ground

”Division-Musick“ is a term used by Christopher Simpson during the 17th century to describe a typically English improvisatory style of diminution. Musicians generally used short bass melodies called grounds as the basis for intricate and virtuoso diminutions, beginning with simple and slow melodies over a bass melody, and ending with very fast and virtuosic diminutions after a varying number of repetitions of the melody.

Both singers and instrumentalists practiced this art of diminution, but the preferred instrument for divisions was the so-called ”division viol“.

This CD aims to give some audible insight into English virtuosity in the Baroque era.

A Choice Collection / Held by the Ears” is an energetic, foot-tapping collection of diverse music made popular in Purcell’s London. Featuring ““the fastest recorder playing you've ever heard” (BBC Music Magazine) and the winner of another Diapason d’Or award.

The Palladian Ensemble (originally Rachel Podger, Pamela Thorby, Joanna Levine and William Carter) was a double-award winning group even before they released their first album, and made their Wigmore Hall debut in 1993. Gamba player Susanne Heinrich and the prize-winning violinist Rodolfo Richter replaced Joanna Levine and Rachel Podger, but the Palladian Ensemble continued to tour extensively throughout the UK enjoying consistent popularity with audiences and critics.

The Palladian Ensemble were five times winners of the prestigious Diapason d'Or Award, (1993, 1994, 1998, 1999 and 2000) and twice had albums named Gramophone "Editor's Choice".