'...an attractively varied selection of vocal and
instrumental music ... that all works extremely well'
- Goldberg
'The Rose Consort, one of our top viol consorts, is in
expressive and elegant form'
- www.musicweb-international
'The viol playing is good ... delicately shaped ... a musical
and experienced ensemble'
- BBC Music Magazine
'...the Rose Consort play in a sublimely unfussy, unfettered
manner worthy of the music'
- Gramophone
Andrew Mellor The Filter^ Review Spitalfields Winter
Festival Rose Consort of Viols/Kirkby
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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