Search - Thomas Tomkins, Rose Consort of Viols, John Bryan :: Tomkins: Consort Music for Viols and Voices; Keyboard Music

The best Tomkins sampler available

scott | Calgary, Canada | 05/19/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Thomas Tomkins has been referred to as "the last Elizabethen" in that he was the last of his generation that had been schooled in the musical school that was typified by Byrd. He lived to a ripe old age, and suffered through the anti-music actions of Cromwell which caused the destruction of many choral institutions, and smashed the organs he had played on. By the middle of the 17th century he was very old fashioned, but continued to work on his legacy by compiling his compositions for posterity, to our great benefit.



This disc gives a good overview of his music, with examples of music for viol consort, keyboard, and also the very English consort anthem. The only genre missing are full/verse anthems but those can be found on another Naxos disc by the Oxford Camerata. All of the music here shows Tomkins to have been a very able composer. Timothy Roberts is a very fine musician, and all the keyboard works are played very well. Similarly, the Rose Consort are as good a viol consort as any (including Fretwork) and make a valuable contribution. They highlights for me, though, are the consort anthems, which pair the Rose Consort with Red Byrd, one of the finest vocal ensembles for this kind of music. All three of these anthems are superb, my favourite being Thou art my king o God which has a solo bass part that exploits the lower register to great effect.



This is a disc well worth having and I also recommend similar programs by the same performers of music by Byrd and Gibbons. They were all recorded at the same sessions, and share the great music and performances (both from Naxos)"

Delights of Tomkins

Mr. W. Sellwood | UK | 01/07/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A thoroughly delightful collection of pieces, many viol, by a composer who is much overlooked these days. Perhaps he was writing in an idiom that had passed its peak of popularity, but still the music is fresh. Stately, and dignified. Somewhat sombre, perhaps, but charmingly performed."

Great Music -- Low Price

W. Crone | Northern CA USA | 08/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you're like me and love early-middle Baroque music then I'm sure you will greatly enjoy this disc. Sleep soundly knowing it cost you less than a grande double-decaf-nonfat-mocha-latteccino."