Following acclaimed recordings devoted to English music for viol consort, notably that of Christopher Simpson (BIS2153), Henry Purcell (BIS2583) and William Byrd (BIS2663), the Chelys Consort now presents a programme that explores the kind of music that might have been played in France in the 16th and 17th centuries. The works presented here include arrangements and fantasies on popular songs, dances and a suite, demonstrating the extreme versatility of the viola da gamba, which, alone or in a group, could adapt to all musical genres. Although the French golden age of said instrument was between the mid-17th and mid-18th centuries – represented here with works by Charpentier, Métru and Lully – the programme also gives prominence to earlier compositions, with dances and fantasies by Caroubel, Le Jeune, Moulinié, Du Caurroy, Louis Couperin and Du Mont. Finally, the programme also includes three pieces for solo guitar by François Campion, performed by guest musician James Akers.

These pieces remind us that the baroque guitar, depicted foreshadowingly in paintings by Vermeer and Watteau, was to replace the lute as the most widespread domestic musical instrument. A programme that emphasises elegance, refined melancholy, beautiful sound and a subtle dialogue between the different instruments.