Christopher Simpson's exquisite album, Simpson: Ayres & Graces, is a masterful collection of Baroque delights, showcasing the artist's profound understanding of the era's musical nuances. Released on 3 July 2015 by the renowned label BIS, this 59-minute album is a treasure trove of elegant compositions, carefully crafted to transport listeners to a bygone era of refinement and poise.
The album features a selection of pieces from Simpson's iconic works, including the '20 Ayres' and 'The Division Viol', which demonstrate the artist's exceptional skill in creating intricate, yet beautiful, music for the viol. With tracks such as the stately 'Pavin in D Minor' and the lively 'Galliard in B-Flat Major', Christopher Simpson's technical prowess and expressive range are on full display.
Throughout the album, Simpson's music is characterised by its lyricism, complexity, and deep emotional resonance, making for a truly captivating listening experience. The careful balance of fast and slow movements, coupled with the artist's thoughtful interpretation, ensures that the album remains engaging and immersive from start to finish.
With its impeccable production quality and meticulous attention to detail, Simpson: Ayres & Graces is an outstanding addition to any classical music collection. Christopher Simpson's dedication to his craft is evident in every note, and this album is a testament to his status as a leading figure in the world of Baroque music.
2015 BIS2015 BIS
Tracks
20 Ayres: No. 14, Pavin in D MinorChristopher Simpson, Chelys Consort of Viols, James Akers
20 Ayres: No. 15, Galliard in D MinorChristopher Simpson, Chelys Consort of Viols, James Akers
20 Ayres: No. 16, Aire in D MinorChristopher Simpson, Chelys Consort of Viols, James Akers
20 Ayres: No. 4, Pavin in B-Flat MajorChristopher Simpson, Chelys Consort of Viols, Dan Tidhar
20 Ayres: No. 5, Galliard in B-Flat MajorChristopher Simpson, Chelys Consort of Viols, Dan Tidhar
20 Ayres: No. 6, Aire in B-Flat MajorChristopher Simpson, Chelys Consort of Viols, Dan Tidhar
20 Ayres: No. 7, Sarabande in B-Flat MajorChristopher Simpson, Chelys Consort of Viols, Dan Tidhar
The Division Viol: Divisions for 2 Bass Viols in F MajorChristopher Simpson, Ibrahim Aziz, Jennifer Bullock, Dan Tidhar
The Division Viol: Divisions for Treble & Bass Viols in A MinorChristopher Simpson, Alison Kinder, Jennifer Bullock, James Akers, Dan Tidhar
20 Ayres: No. 1, Pavin in C MajorChristopher Simpson, Chelys Consort of Viols, Dan Tidhar
20 Ayres: No. 2, Aire in C MajorChristopher Simpson, Chelys Consort of Viols, Dan Tidhar
20 Ayres: No. 3, Sarabande in C MajorChristopher Simpson, Chelys Consort of Viols, Dan Tidhar
20 Ayres: No. 17, Pavin in G MinorChristopher Simpson, Chelys Consort of Viols, Dan Tidhar
20 Ayres: No. 18, Galliard in G MinorChristopher Simpson, Chelys Consort of Viols, Dan Tidhar
20 Ayres: No. 19, Aire in G MinorChristopher Simpson, Chelys Consort of Viols, Dan Tidhar
20 Ayres: No. 20, Sarabande in G MinorChristopher Simpson, Chelys Consort of Viols, Dan Tidhar
The Division Viol: Divisions for 2 Bass Viols in C MajorChristopher Simpson, Alison Kinder, Emily Ashton, James Akers
The Division Viol: Divisions for Treble & Bass Viols in A MinorChristopher Simpson, Ibrahim Aziz, Emily Ashton, Dan Tidhar
20 Ayres: No. 8, Pavin in D MajorChristopher Simpson, Chelys Consort of Viols, James Akers, Dan Tidhar
20 Ayres: No. 9, Aire in D MajorChristopher Simpson, Chelys Consort of Viols, James Akers, Dan Tidhar
20 Ayres: No. 10, Corant in D MajorChristopher Simpson, Chelys Consort of Viols, James Akers, Dan Tidhar
20 Ayres: No. 11, Aire in D MajorChristopher Simpson, Chelys Consort of Viols, James Akers, Dan Tidhar
20 Ayres: No. 12, Aire in D MajorChristopher Simpson, Chelys Consort of Viols, James Akers
20 Ayres: No. 13, Sarabande in D MajorChristopher Simpson, Chelys Consort of Viols, James Akers, Dan Tidhar