Sweete Musicke of Sundrie Kindes

English consort music from the 16th and 17th century
This album draws inspiration from the ‘royal recorder consort’ founded by the Bassano family at the court of King Henry VIII. Fantasias, dances, and instrumental arrangements of motets and madrigals reveal the rich variety of English consort music, performed daily for courtly occasions. In the theatre, soft and sweet recorder sounds – sometimes called ‘still music’ – were used symbolically, evoking the supernatural or moments of reflection and mourning. Augustine Bassano’s ensemble exemplifies the golden age of English recorder consorts, where music blended ceremonial, theatrical, and artistic expression.

Lindoro NL-3023, 2014

Music by William Byrd, John Coprario, John Dowland, James Harding, Anthony Holborne, Thomas Tallis and others
Arrangements and artistic direction: Paul Leenhouts