The Goldberg Variations for harpsichord are a pinnacle of Bach s compositional output. Like many of Bach's works, it has been transcribed for many different solo instruments and instrumental combinations. Fretwork's version for viol consort is one of the most unusual, in that it looks backward in time instead of forward. Bach was essentially a conservative composer, well grounded in the styles and structures of the past. His fondness for the sound of the viola da gamba is well documented and it provides additional justification for re-projecting this masterpiece of counterpoint through the sound-lens of 'old fashioned' instruments.
On Tune thy Musicke to thy Hart, the choral ensemble Stile Antico, joined by the acclaimed viol consort Fretwork, explores a long- neglected repertory: the wealth of Tudor and Jacobean sacred music written for domestic devotion, rather than for church worship. Culled from collections intended for use in private homes, these pieces by Tomkins, Campion, Byrd, Tallis, Dowland, Gibbons and others, offer a unique insight into the turbulent religious climate of the time and the thriving musical culture at its heart. The album features a capella and accompanied vocal works framed by instrumental solos played by Fretwork.
I Heard A Voice: Music of the Golden Age (CD Album) by King's College Choir, Cambridge, Fretwork, Stephen Cleobury - 15 Tracks: - Weelkes, Thomas 1. Alleluia, I heard a voice (3.00) 2. When David heard that Absalom was slain (4.43) 3. Most mighty and all-knowing Lord (4.37) 4. Hosanna to the Son of David (2.03) 5. In nomine no 1 à 4 (1.56) - Gibbons, Orlando 6. Hosanna to the Son of David (3.09) 7. O Lord, in thy wrath rebuke me not (3.33) 8. This is the record of John (4.08) 9. O clap your hands (5.42) 10. In Nomine à 4 (2.51) - Tomkins, Thomas 11. O praise the Lord all ye heathen (4.08) 12. When David heard (5.01) 13. Fantasia a 6 (4.32) 14. Rejoice, rejoice, sing and rejoice (6.50) 15. Osing unto the Lord a new song (3.38) - Performers: o John McMunn (Tenor) o David Allsopp (Countertenor) o Oliver Brett (Organ) o Peter Stevens (Organ) - Conductor: Stephen Cleobury - Ensembles: o Fretwork o King's College Choir, Cambridge - Composers: o Thomas Tomkins (circa 1572 - 1656) o Orlando Gibbons (Renaissance) (1583 - 1625) o Thomas Weelkes (1575 - 1623) - Producer: John Fraser
