William Lawes, who died fighting in England's Civil War in 1645 (on the king's side), was a key figure in English composition between the giants Byrd and Purcell. He composed music in various genres, much of which had a quirky, progressive edge within the generally conservative framework of English music. These pieces for viol consort are a case in point. Two CDs of them are perhaps a bit dense but never dull, and this release from the Canadian label ATMA Classique could make a good introduction to Lawes' music. The Royall ...
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William Lawes, who died fighting in England's Civil War in 1645 (on the king's side), was a key figure in English composition between the giants Byrd and Purcell. He composed music in various genres, much of which had a quirky, progressive edge within the generally conservative framework of English music. These pieces for viol consort are a case in point. Two CDs of them are perhaps a bit dense but never dull, and this release from the Canadian label ATMA Classique could make a good introduction to Lawes' music. The Royall Consorts of the title are a collection of pieces for two treble viols (or violins), two bass viols, and a continuo consisting of two plucked strings (here theorbos). They are grouped into "setts," which bear a strong resemblance to the later French suite; they consist of from three to five dances, with all but the last beginning with a slow pavane. The instrumental forces indicate the novel quality in the music: it is poised right between polyphony and the new Italian vertical...
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Add this copy of Lawes: Royall Consorts to cart. $26.77, good condition, Sold by Bookmans rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Tucson, AZ, UNITED STATES, published 2012 by ATMA Classique.
Add this copy of Lawes: the Royall Consorts to cart. $47.45, new condition, Sold by Revaluation Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Exeter, DEVON, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2012 by ATMA CLASSIQUE: 722056237321.