Phantasm – Locke: For Lovers of Consort Music (2018) [FLAC 24bit/192kHz]

Phantasm adds to its critically-acclaimed repertory of English viol consort music with the first recording in what will be a series exploring the music of Matthew Locke.

A turbulent musical personality, Locke has much to endear him to ‘lovers of consort music’; his ceaseless and obsessive quest for variety ensures music of maximum breadth and diversity. Director Laurence Dreyfus has created an intriguing programme that showcases Locke’s rule-bending approach featuring music that is in turn quirky and humorous, lyrical and sweet.

Most excitingly, this release reunites the partnership of Phantasm and lutenist Elizabeth Kenny, whose last album together, Dowland: Lachrimae or Seven Tears, won both a Gramophone Award and a Diapason d’Or de l’Année. Locke’s part-writing, and the oftentimes orchestral dimension of his approach, are both highlighted by the opulent realization of the continuo part, devised here with supreme inventive powers by Kenny.

Tracklist:
1. I. Fantazie
2. II. Courante
3. III. Fantazie
4. IV. Saraband
5. V. Fantazie
6. VI. Jigg
7. I. Fantazie
8. II. Courante
9. III. Ayre
10. IV. Saraband
11. I. Fantazie
12. II. Courante
13. III. Ayre
14. IV. Saraband
15. I. Fantazie
16. II. Courante
17. III. Ayre
18. IV. Saraband
19. I. Fantazie
20. II. Courante
21. III. Ayre
22. IV. Saraband
23. Canon ‘4 in 2’ On a Plain Song
24. I. Fantazie
25. II. Courante
26. III. Ayre
27. IV. Saraband
28. I. Fantazie
29. II. Courante
30. III. Ayre
31. IV. Saraband
32. Canon ‘4 in 2’ On the Hexachord
33. I. Fantazie
34. II. Courante
35. III. Fantazie
36. IV. Saraband
37. V. Fantazie
38. VI. Jigg