Andrew Mellor The Filter^ Review Spitalfields Winter Festival Rose Consort of Viols/Kirkby
- 20/12/04
The Rose Consort of Viols was joined by soprano Emma Kirkby for a performance of songs
by sixteenth century Italian Luca Marenzio and seventeenth century Englishman John Ward
amongst others. The consort lived up to the reputation established by their exemplary discography
– the performances were meticulous and exuded musicality throughout. Kirkby’s snow-like
soprano voice settled neatly into the ensemble, and her communication struck an appropriate
balance between the frank and the declamatory, never better than in Marenzio’s Dolorous
mournful cares, which drew an extraordinarily moving performance from her. The nature of
the programme suited the Spitalfields format of a one-hour performance from 7pm to 8pm down
to the ground.
David Vernier - www.classicstoday.com John Ward Consort Music (c.1589 -
1638) 'Upon a Bank with Roses' cpo 999 928-2
The Rose Consort of Viols was created to play music like this, and the collective and
individual virtuosity of the six performers on this disc are on full display throughout
the generous (72-minute) program. Particularly satisfying are the selections with organ,
whose unique colours add another, very sonorous dimension to the viols' already warm, ear-pleasing
consonance. The sound, from the very complementary acoustics of Forde Abbey, is appropriately
full-bodied yet intimate. If you enjoy music for viols, don't hesitate to add this excellent
disc to your collection.
Christoph Wagner, Die Tageszeitung, 25.7.03. review of the Ferrabosco CD cpo 999
859-2 ....
"The Rose Consort of Viols is one of the most experienced ensembles in this genre, which
for more than two decades has been exploring the English consort repertory. They play the
music of the Ferraboscos with such perfection and elegance that one feels directly transported
back to the English Renaissance." (Die Tageszeitung)
Anna Picard, The Independent on Sunday, 20.7.03. CD review cpo 999 859-2 , Alfonso Ferrabosco
Consort Music.
The Rose Consort of Viols. John Bryan, Alison Crum, Sarah Groser, Roy Marks, Susanna
Pell, Peter Wendland ...."Theirs is a light, smooth sound; ideally suited to the gentle
intricacies of both composers. Excellently programmed, this disc displays an astonishing
range of sonorities. For those with a taste for musicology, the progress from Renaissance
to Baroque style is subtly mapped. For those who simply like the sound of a viol consort
in perfect harmony, a dip into any of the 22 works will be most rewarding."
The Yorkshire Post....
"The Rose Consort of Viols is certainly amongst the finest early music groups working
in Europe. . .. Their choice of works demonstrated their exquisite tonal quality and the
balance between the five instruments so perfectly judged."
The Gramophone.....
"In their concept and projection of tone, they present an interesting contrast to other
groups. . .. Their bow strokes are softly articulated, enabling them to blend their instrumental
timbres while maintaining a certain independence. . . the ensemble colours that emerge are
pastel and translucent. . .. Indeed, they wear very well."
Early Music News....
"The performance was superb. It is not often one has the chance to hear such a breadth
of works by Jenkins played with so much skill, style and understanding. . . the expressive
playing and overall light touch gave them an appropriate elegance and style."
Musical Times....
"The profound melodic contours and secret motivic associations were completely satisfying
in the sweet-toned Consort. . . robust and mellifluous renderings revealed nothing less
than a still far-too-neglected master."
CD Review....
"The Rose Consort combine an entrancing ear for line and texture with great beauty of
sound and suppleness of phrase, transporting us at once back to an era which. . . gave a
premium to grace, refinement and civilised discourse."
Early Music News....
"This was the most expressive and carefully thought-out performance of Lacrimæ that I
have ever heard; the players all showed a commitment to the music and to the purpose of
the pavan cycle which took the audience on a journey. . .. The Rose Consort play with an
uncompromising clarity and discipline, characteristic of English viol consorts at their
best."
BBC Music Magazine....
"With their beautifully shaped readings, at once introspective and passionate, the Rose
Consort captures the darker side of Lawes perhaps better than any other ensemble."
Early Music Review...
"Of the items [at the London Coffee House Exchange] I thought outstanding - the Rose
Consort's sequence of viol music by the two Alfonso Ferraboscos, beautifully played to a
raptly silent audience - spoke to the listener with unfamiliar directness."
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