The World of Purcell

• The debut CD of the Locke Consort, containing suites by Matthew Locke (Globe GLO 5027), was released in 1990 to international critical acclaim and was nominated for the prestigious Baroque Chamber Music Award by The Gramophone in 1991. Fanfare magazine (USA) stated that the disc "exemplifies what is best and most important in the early music movement" and Repertoire (France) praised It for being "beautifully played by superb musicians". Right from its release, this CD has been one of our best-selling titles, and demand for it has never stopped.

• This eagerly awaited new CD by this illustrious ensemble has all the makings to become as successful as the previous one: a unique program with works that have either never or hardly ever recorded, in beautiful perfor.mances with a deep insight into this wonderful music and the same fabulous ensemble playing which has become one of the many hall-marks of the Locke Consort.

• A beautiful recording sound, a striking cover and in the booklet an introduction by Peter Holman, the absolute world expert on this music.

 

The four members of the Locke Consort come from England, the Netherlands, Germany, and the United States and met during their studies in the Netherlands. ln 1985, they formed the Locke Consort to specialize in the authentic performance of seventeenth and early eighteenth century chamber music. The group takes its name from the composer Matthew Locke (1621/2-1677) and is modelled on the ensemble that Locke directed at the court of Charles II.

Since its formation, the Locke Consort has been the recipient of numerous important awards, including two prizes at the International Competition for Early Music Ensembles (The Netherlands, 1986), first prize in the Early Music Network Competition (London, 1987),and first prize at the Erwin Bodky Competition (Boston, 1988). The ensemble has performed throughout Europe and has toured frequently In the United States, performing in major concert series and festivals. The BBC, Radio France, Dutch radio NOS, and the National Public Radio (USA) have all broadcast recitals by the Locke Consort.