‘Ricercar Consort’

Philippe Pierlot and his Ricercar Consort are offering nothing less than one century of English music. In this case, three composers are called upon to represent the succeeding generations at the bridge between the Renaissance and Baroque music. William Byrd, equally famous for his masses for voices as his instrumental music output, is the “eldest” one on the programme. He is succeeded by William Lawes, a musician in the court of Charles I, the history of which has recorded pieces for viol consort and music for masques. Last but not least, Henry Purcell rounds off this journey through British territory with his beautifully touching music both reflecting the spirit of his time and harking back to a secular musical tradition.