Old Viols
Music for two division viols, played on two stunning original English viols by John Pitts (1675) and Edward Lewis (1703). If the original owners of these viols had met, what music might they have played? The programme encompasses repertoire from the latest sonatas by Benjamin Hely (who himself owned a viol by Pitts) to divisions by Christopher Simpson and John Jenkins, duos by William Young, and arrangements of popular tunes and grounds from the time. An imaginary glimpse into a private music meeting in the early years of the 18th century.
Repertoire inclues:
Benjamin Hely (d.1699): Sonatas in G minor and B flat major
Christopher Simpson (c.1604-1669): Divisions in C major and F major
John Jenkins (1592-1678): Dances and Divisions in G minor
William Young (d.1662): Duos for two bass viols
Daniel Norcombe (c.1576-1655): Tregian’s Ground
Nicola Matteis (c.1650-after 1714): Pieces for guitar and continuo
and arrangements of tunes from Playford and Sumarte
“A perfect programme…it is really special when historical performance practitioners make their recordings on original instruments. Although it is not always possible, this key factor brought an added dimension to this whole music project and it enriched the music listening experience. The energy and varied affect that these performers are able to bring to the music was enjoyable. I am looking forward to hearing more from these musicians and from Barn Cottage Records” Patrick Erickson, Viola da Gamba Society Newsletter
The Edward Lewis Viol of 1703
A recital programme showcasing the stunning Lewis viol from 1703, this recording traces the history of solo music for viola da gamba from Hume to Telemann, including lesser-known repertoire such as a beautiful German suite from the 1680s, and some of the first music for viola da gamba to survive in a manuscript from the New World (the Williamsburg Musick Song Book).
Repertoire includes:
Tobias Hume (c.1579-1645): Good Againe
Richard Sumarte (d. after 1630): Dafne, Monsieur’s Almain, Lachryme
Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767): Fantasias in G major and G minor
Benjamin Hely (d.1699): Suite in A minor
Anonymous Suite in D major from the Brünner Manuscript (1680s)
Anonymous Ayres and Dances from the Williamsburg Musick Song Book
To hear examples from both recordings, please visit our Media page
Available to purchase from our label, Barn Cottage Records
