Music of the Spheres, English Consort Songs and Instrumental Music, 16th Century

Most of the so-called Consort Songs from the Elizabethan period were at the time of origin generally performed with accompaniments of 'viols'. the instrument known today as the viola da gamba. There was however no strict rule for this, since the composers generally left this to the availability of performers. So they have also become a basic part of the recorder quartet's repertory and the BRISK Quartet are among the finest one can nowadays hear. For this CD they played on a consort of Renaissance recorders, made for them by Adrian Brown, one of the best instrument builders in the world today. Soloist Maarten Koningsberger has gained an international reputation as a lieder singer, also through his many recordrngs, including one in Hyperion's Schubert Edition. The combination of a beautiful baritone voice with four recorders and lute continuo gives an extra dimension to this unique repertoire which is truly 'music of the spheres', dedicated to Queen Elizabeth I.