Fiddlers Three: Music from Charles II's ‘Private Musick’

At the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, Charles II reappointed many of the court musicians who had served his father. Yet, years in exile in France had changed the king’s tastes and preferences which influenced the reformed musical organisations and the music written for them. This period saw the decline in consorts of viols and winds, and the emergence of the violin as the instrument of choice. The arrival in England of German virtuoso violinist Thomas Baltzar had an undoubted impact on the musical landscape and the flourishing of the unusual combination of three violins and continuo for court ensembles. His appointment to the King’s Private Musick in 1661 increased the number of violins from two to three. This recording is part of a wider project to investigate music written for three violins in the late-seventeenth century and the musicians who served in the Private Musick. The music recorded on this CD comprises many works which have not previously been edited, performed or recorded. Research into the performing practices of the time has been undertaken to better understand the instruments, playing style and performing pitch used for these specific performing circumstances. Material connected to the project, including essays, modern editions of music, are included in the author's Research Catalogue website.