Complete Four Part Consort Music

John Jenkins (1592-1678) is perhaps the most popular English composer of the great golden era of music for multiple viols, ranging from William Cornyshe in 1520 through to Henry Purcell in 1680. The reason why is not hard to fathom: a rare melodic gift is married to an exceptionally deep understanding of harmony and modulation, and effortless counterpoint gives each part an equal voice in the musical conversation. Fretwork performs Jenkins complete consort works for four-part viol ensemble, in a new recording that showcases this composer’s rich and diverse compositions. In 2016, Fretwork celebrated their 30th anniversary. In these last three decades, they have explored the core repertory of great English concert music, from Taverner to Purcell, and made classic recordings against which others are judged.