Credits:

François-Joseph Kaeppelin, Rachaelon.

Description:

Musick's Monument," written in 1676 by Thomas Mace, a versatile musician and music theorist, is an invaluable source of information on the various forms of music heard in London at a time when viol ensembles were at their peak. It is a very valuable document that describes the various forms of music heard in London at the time when viol ensembles were at their peak, as well as the methods of rehearsal and the construction of instruments for performance. The Rachelon ensemble, led by Joubert Cailler, has built a set of six viols according to this description, and has also newly installed a virginal and a consort organ for this project to work on works from the golden age of viol ensembles. Except for Monteverdi's Madrigale, all of the works are by composers active in England at the time, including some with Italianate names. The Consort of Viols is often characterized by a quiet, muted presentation, but Rachelon's playing here sometimes shows a lively sense of movement, and the keyboard instruments are very effective and the flow of the music is truly vivid. This is a beautiful and enjoyable album that will help you discover new charms of these works. Naxos Japan