The new album of consort music for viols in five parts by John Jenkins comes from an ensemble who has already been awarded two Diapasons d’Or for their previous recordings on Musica Ficta: The Spirit of Gambo. This album includes some extraordinary works for viol consort which can be considered to be the best in the genre.

These works stand at the highest peak of their genre and their musical invention and technical facility rarely dips. There is an assured variety of structure in the series. In view of the range of expression and colour, it is extraordinary that only three tonics (G, D and C) are used. What clearly sets these works apart from their Jacobean predecessors is their exploitation of lyrical and melodic ideas, which are rarely surpassed.

The power of The Spirit of Gambo, according to the critics, is the sheer pleasure the members take in playing together, their drive and their excellent musicianship. Their repertoire includes music by Dowland, Purcell, Bach and many others. The ensemble was founded by Freek Borstlap and Gesina Liedmeier.

The Spirit of Gambo plays on beautiful instruments built especially for the ensemble by Gesina Liedmeier. Their CD of Jenkins’s consort music of four parts (Musica Ficta MF8011) received the highest distinction: a Diapason d’Or award. The group plays frequently at international festivals and they have recorded several CDs, including The Silver Swan with soprano Claron McFadden and a CD of instrumental music by Christopher Tye also awarded a Diapason d’Or (Musica Ficta MF8022).