Still Music of the Spheres – Phantasm

Phantasm viol quartet with spirited performances of Byrd and Mico

Byrd’s music can exert a magnetic tug on even the most unsuspecting listener, and when interpreted by the award-winning consort of viols Phantasm – lead by Laurence Dreyfus – the listener is in for a treat. The eloquence of Byrd’s music results from the mastery of an overlapping ‘imitation’ which resolutely avoids formula. Byrd’s startling moves into dance or song gives the joyous illusion that all the individual musicians finally come together to sing in folk-like harmony. Another musical employee of The Petre family of Essex in the 1600s; the music of Richard Mico provides different pleasures altogether. It is surprising to encounter a composer with such a modest career who possesses such an undeniably personal voice and blends the sound of four viols so convincingly.