Immerse yourself in the rich, intricate world of 17th-century English music with Matthew Locke's "Seven Suites." Released in 1990, this album is a meticulously crafted collection of suites from Locke's renowned works, "The Little Consort," "The Broken Consort," and "Tripla Concordia." Spanning a concise yet engaging 55 minutes, the album offers a deep dive into the elegant and expressive compositions of one of the era's most influential composers.
Matthew Locke, a pivotal figure in the transition from Renaissance to Baroque music, showcases his mastery of form and emotion in these suites. The album opens with "The Broken Consort, Part 1, Suite No. 4 in C major," inviting listeners into a world of dance-inspired movements, from the contemplative "Fantazie" to the lively "Courante." Each suite is a journey through a variety of moods and tempos, reflecting the sophistication and versatility of Locke's compositional style.
Performed by The Locke Consort, this recording captures the essence of Locke's music with authenticity and precision. The ensemble's expertise brings to life the delicate interplay of instruments, highlighting the intricate counterpoint and harmonic richness that define Locke's work. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of early music or a curious newcomer, "Seven Suites" offers a captivating exploration of a musical heritage that continues to resonate across centuries.
The album's production by Globe ensures a high-quality listening experience, allowing the nuances of Locke's compositions to shine. From the stately pavans to the energetic jigs, each piece is rendered with clarity and depth, making this a definitive interpretation of Locke's suites. "Seven Suites" is not just a collection of music; it's a window into the past, offering a glimpse into the cultural and artistic landscape of 17th-century England.
(C) 1990 Globe(P) 1990 Globe
Tracks
The Broken Consort, Part 1, Suite No. 4 in C major, I. FantazieMatthew Locke, The Locke Consort
The Broken Consort, Part 1, Suite No. 4 in C major, II. CouranteMatthew Locke, The Locke Consort
The Broken Consort, Part 1, Suite No. 4 in C major, III. Ayre (Almand)Matthew Locke, The Locke Consort
The Broken Consort, Part 1, Suite No. 4 in C major, IV. SarabandMatthew Locke, The Locke Consort
The Broken Consort, Part 1, Suite No. 3 in C major, I. FantazieMatthew Locke, The Locke Consort
The Broken Consort, Part 1, Suite No. 3 in C major, II. CouranteMatthew Locke, The Locke Consort
The Broken Consort, Part 1, Suite No. 3 in C major, III. Ayre (Almand)Matthew Locke, The Locke Consort
The Broken Consort, Part 1, Suite No. 3 in C major, IV. SarabandMatthew Locke, The Locke Consort
The Broken Consort, Part 2, Suite No. 4 in F major, I. PavanMatthew Locke, The Locke Consort
The Broken Consort, Part 2, Suite No. 4 in F major, II. GalliardMatthew Locke, The Locke Consort
The Broken Consort, Part 2, Suite No. 4 in F major, III. AyreMatthew Locke, The Locke Consort
The Broken Consort, Part 2, Suite No. 4 in F major, IV. CouranteMatthew Locke, The Locke Consort
The Broken Consort, Part 2, Suite No. 4 in F major, V. JiggMatthew Locke, The Locke Consort
Tripla Concordia, Suite in G minor, I. IntroductionMatthew Locke, The Locke Consort
Tripla Concordia, Suite in G minor, II. SarabandMatthew Locke, The Locke Consort
Tripla Concordia, Suite in G minor, III. AyreMatthew Locke, The Locke Consort
Tripla Concordia, Suite in G minor, IV. Le DoubleMatthew Locke, The Locke Consort
Tripla Concordia, Suite in G minor, V. GavotteMatthew Locke, The Locke Consort
Tripla Concordia, Suite in G minor, VI. Country DanceMatthew Locke, The Locke Consort
Tripla Concordia, Suite in G minor, VII. Masque Dance (Ayre)Matthew Locke, The Locke Consort
Tripla Concordia, Suite in G minor, VIII. Entry – SarabandMatthew Locke, The Locke Consort
Tripla Concordia, Suite in G minor, IX. JiggMatthew Locke, The Locke Consort
The Little Consort, Suite No. 4 in B flat major, I. PavanMatthew Locke, The Locke Consort
The Little Consort, Suite No. 4 in B flat major, II. AyreMatthew Locke, The Locke Consort
The Little Consort, Suite No. 4 in B flat major, III. CouranteMatthew Locke, The Locke Consort
The Little Consort, Suite No. 4 in B flat major, IV. SarabandMatthew Locke, The Locke Consort
The Broken Consort, Part 1, Suite No. 5 in D minor, I. FantazieMatthew Locke, The Locke Consort
The Broken Consort, Part 1, Suite No. 5 in D minor, II. CouranteMatthew Locke, The Locke Consort
The Broken Consort, Part 1, Suite No. 5 in D minor, III. Ayre (Almand)Matthew Locke, The Locke Consort
The Broken Consort, Part 1, Suite No. 5 in D minor, IV. SarabandMatthew Locke, The Locke Consort
The Broken Consort, Part 1, Suite No. 6 in D major, I. FantazieMatthew Locke, The Locke Consort
The Broken Consort, Part 1, Suite No. 6 in D major, II. Courante (Ecchos)Matthew Locke, The Locke Consort
The Broken Consort, Part 1, Suite No. 6 in D major, III. Ayre (Almand)Matthew Locke, The Locke Consort
The Broken Consort, Part 1, Suite No. 6 in D major, IV. SarabandMatthew Locke, The Locke Consort
Matthew Locke, born around 1621 in Exeter, England, was a pioneering figure in the world of English Baroque music, leaving an indelible mark as a composer and music theorist. His career spanned a tumultuous period, including the English Civil War, yet his compositions remained steadfast in their innovation and beauty. Trained as a chorister at Exeter Cathedral under the tutelage of Edward Gibbons, Locke's early musical education laid the foundation for his future accomplishments. His work is noted for its structural complexity and rule-bending tendencies, earning him comparisons to the renowned Italian composer Carlo Gesualdo. Locke's contributions to stage music were particularly significant, establishing him as a leading composer before the era of Henry Purcell. His legacy endures, captivating audiences with its timeless elegance and historical depth.
Vinylscout
Matthew Locke
