CD Me

User Reviews about English Music For Viols (5 CDs)

I can't say much more than has already been said, other than this: the works are excellently executed and the recording is very clear. So much for England as "the land without music." The pieces are very sedate, but often creative. And just because Purcell is the one you have probably heard of on this set doesn't mean he is the only one worth listening to: all of the works here are more or less on the same level (though noticeably in different styles). I'm not sure whether the addition of the organ was the idea of the consort or if it is obligato (called for in the score) but it is very effective indeed. It was a worthy addition to my collection.

Also, if you enjoy this kind of music, there are several excellent French viol composers of the 17th century that are worth looking into: their music is, in my opinion, more expressive and ornamental than the English school, though having less counterpoint. Marin Marais is the famous one to look for. -- Lovely

The title says it all. Great music, most of which I will be new to almost all listeners, great sound, great playing. Cheap. -- Great set at an absurdly low price

If you love (or even just 'like') English Viol music, you must buy this set. It is Fretwork... what more is there to say about the performance?
Also, the recordings are gorgeous and it's a multi-disc set for so little, it's sick!!
Remarkable, truly.

Why are you still reading this review? Push the 'Add to Cart' button already... ;) -- Buy this set!

I can't add to David Cahill's comments on the value and the music. He's also right about the period and the performances. I've listened to Fretwork since the 1980s, always impressed with their touch and ability. For those of you who do appreciate this period -- with its dense harmonies, drone-like calms and timbral intricacies -- you might also look into Fretwork's take on more contemporary pieces. Their 1997 SIT FAST release presents period works by Tye, Isaac, Ferabosco and Ockeghem along side the works of living composers including Gavin Bryars, Sally Beamish, Elvis Costello and others, all ably demonstrating the timeless qualities of the viol.

What I can add is the fact that this is not really a "Box Set", but a weirdly conceived and executed old-time bulky 2-CD jewel case retrofitted with the most bizarre, built-to-fall-out tray I have ever seen. For the dimensionally impaired, such as myself, the only good news is that the run time of one CD seems just sufficient for me to figure out how to reassemble the case, only to start reassembling it once more, after trying to return the CD to its tray... It makes for a full evening my friends, and frankly, Fretwork deserves a level of packaging that matches the level of their artistry. -- FIVE FOR THE CONTENT / 0 FOR THE "BOX"

... then money CAN buy you love after all! In fact, in the current economic turmoil, music is obviously the only luxury (or for some of us, necessity) we can afford. THIS IS AN ASTONISHING BARGAIN! As recently as a year or so ago, you would have needed a lot of 'plata' to build a collection of English Viola da Gamba Consort performances. Now you can buy the heart fo the repertoire, by one of the two dominant ensembles (the other is Phantasm), for about twelve bucks. Don't hesitate! This is the buy of your lifetime!

I've reviewed several of Fretwork's recordings previously. They are superb technicians, pellucid in tone, precise in rhythm, always worth hearing. The only thing that could make this 5-CD package more appealing would be a sixth CD! -- If Musick Be the Food of Love ...