‘The Queen’ is a new CD by the Toronto Consort which recreates musical life at the court of Elizabeth I. Many of these songs were written for or about this remarkable monarch, while others are songs that would have been performed at her court.

The Toronto Consort is Canada’s foremost chamber ensemble specialising in the music of the Middle Ages, Renaissance and early Baroque periods. The consort members include both singers and instrumentalists (lute, recorder, guitar, flute, early keyboards and percussion). They have previously produced a recording for Marquis titled “Praetorius Christmas Vespers” (774718133526), as well as several CDs for the American label Dorian.

Queen Elizabeth the First was an accomplished musician, so it is likely that she played many of the songs featured on this album. Elizabeth was also, famously, a lover of dancing and dance music. Even as she lay dying, Elizabeth is said to have asked for music so that she might die as gaily as she lived. She heard music until her last breath.

Track Listing:
1. Thomas Tomkins: See, see the shepheards queene
2. John Dowland: Can she excuse my wrongs
3. Anon: Lord Willoughby
4. Anon: Essex last good-night
5. John Johnson: The Queenes treble
6. Anon: When Dasies pied
7. Thomas Morley: O Mistris mine
8. Anon: Ring out your bels
9. Anon: Nuttmigs and Ginger
10. Thomas Campion: Wooe her and win her
11. John Dowland & Richard Allison: Time stands still
12. The Lady Frances Sidneys Almayne
13. John Dowland: Say love if ever thou didst find
14. Jakob van Eyck: Courant, of harte diefje waerom zoo stil
15. William Corkine: Each lovely grace
16. Thomas Campion: Where are all thy beauties now?
17. Thomas Morley: The Sacred End Pavin
18. Anon: In Eighty-eight
19. William Byrd: The Queenes Alman
20. Francis Pilkington: With fragrant flowers
21. John Dowland: His golden locks
22. John Bennet: All creatures now
23. Thomas Morley: Fly Love