FANTASIA is Fretwork’s eleventh release with Signum Classics, and explores the court music of tudor Eng- land through the works of Thomas Lupo. A very large quantity of Lupo’s private and intimate viol consort music has survived, and we can marvel at its variety and quality. He wrote for unique combinations of viols in his three-part Fantasies, however the five- and six-part fantasies are his most impressive work, seri- ous and compelling pieces showing a fabulous command of counterpoint.
In 2021, Fretwork celebrated its 35th anniversary. In the past three and a half decades they have explored the core repertory of great English consort music, from Taverner to Purcell, and made classic recordings against which others are judged. In 2022 Fretwork plan visits to Germany, Spain and France. There will also be a collaboration with The Kings Singers and new works from Sir James MacMillan and Roderick Williams.
Gold Diapason D’Or “An intelligent arrangement of the pieces and Fretwork’s ability to inhabit each measure with fullness gives this music a charm, an ever-renewed interest. The indisputable sureness of the bow of the five British gambists, the exemplary polyphonic clarity of their approach nourish an obvious pleasure in playing…Fretwork paints these changing moods with a sober, subtle and above all sensitive touch…this intense disc constitutes a magnificent tribute to a talented figure in the golden age of the English consort” – Diapason
★★★★★ Performance ★★★★★ Recording “The style is light and breezy – buoyed by lithe, dancing rhythms, gracefully articulated…Throughout the consort’s sound is luminous and so finely balanced that even in the more intricate contrapuntal works individual lines remain lucid.” – BBC Music Magazine
“This is a delightful collection of pieces…Fretwork here play with evident enjoyment and the recording is good…Fans of viol consorts need no encouragement; others would find this a good place to start” – Musicweb International