|
A consort of instruments was a phrase used in England during the 17th century to indicate an instrumental ensemble.
A consort may be "whole", that is, all instruments of the same family. For example, a set of viols played together would be considered a whole consort. A "broken" consort would consist of instruments from various families. For example, a broken consort could consist of viols and lute playing together.
Composers of consort music during the Elizabethan era include John Dowland, Anthony Holborne, and William Byrd. Later 17th-century composers included Christopher Simpson, William Lawes, and Henry Purcell.
|
