This wonderful collection from the ever-imaginative Rachel Podger and Brecon Baroque aims to shine a light on music written between the English Renaissance period of Gibbons, Tallis, and Byrd and the gilded Baroque age of Purcell and Handel. Names such as John Jenkins, Thomas Baltzar, William Lawes, and Matthew Locke, however, are still on the periphery of general listening—an unexplained hinterland.
Yet the chamber music that spread across middle to late 17th century England glows with an irresistible invention, energy, and charm, characterized by sparkling dialogue between the instruments. Particular highlights include Locke’s Little Consort in Two Parts for Severall Friends with its plangent Pavan and convivial Courantes (the second is utterly irresistible). Italian composer Geminiani, who spent many years in Britain, proves that Baroque and traditional folk make a perfect marriage in his beautiful arrangement of the Scots tune “Auld Bob Morrice.” And, ending the album, Richard Jones’ Chamber Airs for a Violin and Thorough Bass are breathtaking in their originality and sheer exuberance.
Podger and her fellow musicians play with a genuine affection for this music, raising it to the level and profile it deserves.
