Immerse yourself in the rich, intricate world of Matthew Locke's "The Flat Consort," a stunning collection of works performed by the renowned ensemble Fretwork. Released in 2022 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Locke's birth, this album offers a deep dive into the composer's mastery of the viol consort, showcasing five exquisite suites and two duos for bass viols.
Matthew Locke, often hailed as one of England's finest composers, is brought to life through these meticulously crafted performances. The album features a trio of viols and continuo, interspersed with duos that highlight the depth and versatility of Locke's compositions. Each suite is a journey in itself, with movements ranging from the contemplative Fantazia to the lively Jigg and Galliard, providing a comprehensive exploration of Locke's musical genius.
"The Flat Consort" is a testament to the enduring beauty of Baroque music, expertly performed by Fretwork under the direction of David Miller. The ensemble's precision and sensitivity bring out the nuances of Locke's compositions, making this album a captivating experience for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to the genre. With a duration of just over an hour, it's an album that invites repeated listening, revealing new layers of complexity and beauty with each play.
The album is a fitting tribute to Matthew Locke, offering a glimpse into the musical landscape of 17th-century England. Whether you're a fan of chamber music or simply appreciate the artistry of the viol consort, "The Flat Consort" is an essential addition to your collection.
(C) 2022 Signum Classics(P) 2022 Signum Records
Tracks
The Flat Consort, Suite No. 1 in C Minor: I. FantaziaMatthew Locke, Fretwork, David Miller, Silas Wollston
The Flat Consort, Suite No. 1 in C Minor: II. CouranteMatthew Locke, Fretwork, David Miller, Silas Wollston
The Flat Consort, Suite No. 1 in C Minor: III. FantaziaMatthew Locke, Fretwork, David Miller, Silas Wollston
The Flat Consort, Suite No. 1 in C Minor: IV. SarabandMatthew Locke, Fretwork, David Miller, Silas Wollston
The Flat Consort, Suite No. 1 in C Minor: V. FantaziaMatthew Locke, Fretwork, David Miller, Silas Wollston
The Flat Consort, Suite No. 1 in C Minor: VI. JiggMatthew Locke, Fretwork, David Miller, Silas Wollston
Duo for 2 Bass Viols in C: I. FantaziaMatthew Locke, Fretwork
Duo for 2 Bass Viols in C: II. FantaziaMatthew Locke, Fretwork
Duo for 2 Bass Viols in C: III. CourantMatthew Locke, Fretwork
Duo for 2 Bass Viols in C: IV. FantaziaMatthew Locke, Fretwork
Duo for 2 Bass Viols in C: V. FantaziaMatthew Locke, Fretwork
Duo for 2 Bass Viols in C: VI. SarabandMatthew Locke, Fretwork
The Flat Consort, Suite No. 2 in B-Flat Major: I. FantaziaMatthew Locke, Fretwork, David Miller, Silas Wollston
The Flat Consort, Suite No. 2 in B-Flat Major: II. CourantMatthew Locke, Fretwork, David Miller, Silas Wollston
The Flat Consort, Suite No. 2 in B-Flat Major: III. FantaziaMatthew Locke, Fretwork, David Miller, Silas Wollston
The Flat Consort, Suite No. 2 in B-Flat Major: IV. SarabandMatthew Locke, Fretwork, David Miller, Silas Wollston
The Flat Consort, Suite No. 2 in B-Flat Major: V. FantaziaMatthew Locke, Fretwork, David Miller, Silas Wollston
The Flat Consort, Suite No. 2 in B-Flat Major: VI. JiggMatthew Locke, Fretwork, David Miller, Silas Wollston
The Flat Consort, Suite No. 3 in D Minor: I. FantaziaMatthew Locke, Fretwork, David Miller, Silas Wollston
The Flat Consort, Suite No. 3 in D Minor: II. CouranteMatthew Locke, Fretwork, David Miller, Silas Wollston
The Flat Consort, Suite No. 3 in D Minor: III. FantaziaMatthew Locke, Fretwork, David Miller, Silas Wollston
The Flat Consort, Suite No. 3 in D Minor: IV. SarabandMatthew Locke, Fretwork, David Miller, Silas Wollston
Duo for 2 Bass Viols in D: I. FantaziaMatthew Locke, Fretwork
Duo for 2 Bass Viols in D: II. FantaziaMatthew Locke, Fretwork
Duo for 2 Bass Viols in D: III. CourantMatthew Locke, Fretwork
Duo for 2 Bass Viols in D: IV. FantaziaMatthew Locke, Fretwork
Duo for 2 Bass Viols in D: V. FantaziaMatthew Locke, Fretwork
Duo for 2 Bass Viols in D: VI. SarabandMatthew Locke, Fretwork
The Flat Consort, Suite No. 4 in B-Flat Major: I. FantaziaMatthew Locke, Fretwork, David Miller, Silas Wollston
The Flat Consort, Suite No. 4 in B-Flat Major: II. GalliardMatthew Locke, Fretwork, David Miller, Silas Wollston
The Flat Consort, Suite No. 4 in B-Flat Major: III. FantaziaMatthew Locke, Fretwork, David Miller, Silas Wollston
The Flat Consort, Suite No. 4 in B-Flat Major: IV. SarabandMatthew Locke, Fretwork, David Miller, Silas Wollston
The Flat Consort, Suite No. 5 in A Minor: I. FantaziaMatthew Locke, Fretwork, David Miller, Silas Wollston
The Flat Consort, Suite No. 5 in A Minor: II. GalliardMatthew Locke, Fretwork, David Miller, Silas Wollston
The Flat Consort, Suite No. 5 in A Minor: III. FantaziaMatthew Locke, Fretwork, David Miller, Silas Wollston
The Flat Consort, Suite No. 5 in A Minor: IV. SarabandMatthew Locke, Fretwork, David Miller, Silas Wollston
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
