In November 2016, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the viol consort Fretwork, a project of major importance brought together leading vocal and instrumental performers in the field of early 17th century music, to record a CD of what is widely acknowledged to be some of the finest repertoire in all English sacred music: the consort anthems of Orlando Gibbons. 'In Chains of Gold' Volume 1 was released to wide critical acclaim, voted an 'Editor's Choice' in Gramophone of December 2017. Here are just a couple of the reviews:
This is the finest recording of this quintessentially English music that we are likely to have, and I urge everyone to start collecting these volumes as they appear over the coming years ... a real treat (Early Music Review, February 2018)
a stellar team ....these performances glimmer with all the yearning, devoutness and splendour of the age (BBC Music Magazine, February 2018)
In January 2019 the same forces joined to make a sequel:
'In Chains of Gold' Volume 2.
This is the finest recording of this quintessentially English music that we are likely to have, and I urge everyone to start collecting these volumes as they appear over the coming years ... a real treat (Early Music Review, February 2018)
a stellar team ....these performances glimmer with all the yearning, devoutness and splendour of the age (BBC Music Magazine, February 2018)
In January 2019 the same forces joined to make a sequel:
'In Chains of Gold' Volume 2.
AND IN SEPTEMBER 2023 WE MADE
A THIRD AND FINAL ONE!
'In Chains of Gold Volume 3' ......
A THIRD AND FINAL ONE!
'In Chains of Gold Volume 3' ......