Immerse yourself in the intricate and captivating world of Matthew Locke's "Consorts Flat and Sharp," a stunning collection of consort music that showcases the composer's unique polyphonic style. This album, released on January 26, 2024, by Linn Records, features the expert violists of Phantasm, who bring Locke's unconventional yet brilliant compositions to life with precision and passion.
Spanning 57 minutes, the album presents a series of suites and individual pieces that highlight Locke's mastery of counterpoint and his innovative approach to consort music. The tracks are drawn from two of Locke's notable works: "The Flat Consort for My Cousin Kemble" and "The Little Consort." Each suite is a journey through various dance forms and instrumental textures, from the lively Galliard and Courante to the stately Pavan and Saraband.
Matthew Locke, a key figure in the English Baroque period, is known for his experimental and forward-thinking compositions. This album offers a deep dive into his distinctive sound, characterized by its complex polyphony and rich harmonic language. The performances by Phantasm, under the guidance of Laurence Wainwright, are nothing short of exemplary, capturing the essence of Locke's music with clarity and expressiveness.
Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of Baroque music or a curious newcomer, "Consorts Flat and Sharp" promises an enriching listening experience. The album's meticulous production and the ensemble's impeccable playing make it a standout release in the classical music repertoire.
2024 Outhere2024 Linn Records
Tracks
The Flat Consort for My Cousin Kemble, Suite No. 5 in A Minor and A Major: I. FantazieMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
The Flat Consort for My Cousin Kemble, Suite No. 5 in A Minor and A Major: II. GalliardMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
The Flat Consort for My Cousin Kemble, Suite No. 5 in A Minor and A Major: III. FantazieMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
The Flat Consort for My Cousin Kemble, Suite No. 5 in A Minor and A Major: IV. SarabandMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
The Little Consort, Suite No. 10 in D Minor and D Major: I. PavanMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
The Little Consort, Suite No. 10 in D Minor and D Major: II. AyreMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
The Little Consort, Suite No. 10 in D Minor and D Major: III. CouranteMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
The Little Consort, Suite No. 10 in D Minor and D Major: IV. SarabandMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
The Little Consort, Suite No. 7 in G Minor and G Major: I. PavanMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
The Little Consort, Suite No. 7 in G Minor and G Major: II. AyreMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
The Little Consort, Suite No. 7 in G Minor and G Major: III. CouranteMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
The Little Consort, Suite No. 7 in G Minor and G Major: IV. SarabandMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
The Little Consort, Suite No. 9 in B-Flat Major: I. PavanMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
The Little Consort, Suite No. 9 in B-Flat Major: II. AyreMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
The Little Consort, Suite No. 9 in B-Flat Major: III. CouranteMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
The Little Consort, Suite No. 9 in B-Flat Major: IV. SarabandMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
The Flat Consort for My Cousin Kemble, Suite No. 3 in D Minor: I. FantazieMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
The Flat Consort for My Cousin Kemble, Suite No. 3 in D Minor: II. CouranteMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
The Flat Consort for My Cousin Kemble, Suite No. 3 in D Minor: III. FantazieMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
The Flat Consort for My Cousin Kemble, Suite No. 3 in D Minor: IV. SarabandMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
The Little Consort, Suite No. 8 in A Minor: I. PavanMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
The Little Consort, Suite No. 8 in A Minor: II. AyreMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
The Little Consort, Suite No. 8 in A Minor: III. CouranteMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
The Little Consort, Suite No. 8 in A Minor: IV. SarabandMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
The Little Consort, Suite No. 6 in F Major: I. PavanMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
The Little Consort, Suite No. 6 in F Major: II. AyreMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
The Little Consort, Suite No. 6 in F Major: III. CouranteMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
The Little Consort, Suite No. 6 in F Major: IV. SarabandMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
The Flat Consort for My Cousin Kemble, Suite No. 4 in B-Flat Major: I. FantazieMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
The Flat Consort for My Cousin Kemble, Suite No. 4 in B-Flat Major: II. GalliardMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
The Flat Consort for My Cousin Kemble, Suite No. 4 in B-Flat Major: III. FantazieMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
The Flat Consort for My Cousin Kemble, Suite No. 4 in B-Flat Major: IV. SarabandMatthew Locke, Phantasm, Elizabeth Kenny
Matthew Locke, born around 1621 in Devon, England, was a pioneering figure in the Baroque era, renowned for his virtuosic compositions and influential music theories. As a chorister at Exeter Cathedral, Locke received his musical training under the guidance of Edward Gibbons, brother of the famous composer Orlando Gibbons. Throughout his career, Locke's music was celebrated for its innovation and technical brilliance, with works like the 'Flat Consort' showcasing his mastery of the genre. Despite his significant contributions, Locke's fiery personality and tendency to speak his mind often overshadowed his musical achievements. His legacy endures, however, as one of England's finest composers, whose works continue to captivate audiences with their depth and complexity.
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Matthew Locke
