Fretwork: Jenkins

The Strad Issue: October 2025

Description: A viola da gamba masterclass from this long-established group

Musicians: Fretwork, Silas Wollston (organ)

Works: Jenkins: Divisions: Fantasia Suites, Fantasies and Fancies

Catalogue number: SIGNUM SIGCD938

This disc is subtitled ‘The Virtuoso Consort’ – just, in fact, what Fretwork, that Rolls-Royce among viol consorts, is. The subtitle also reflects the way in which viol consort music was changing in the 17th century from six equal voices to fewer voices with more intricate lines.

The rise of virtuosic players and the influence of Italian violin music saw the contrapuntal style on its way out and longer notes divided into ever shorter, rapid flurries of notes needing greater dexterity.

John Jenkins’s long life began in the reign of Elizabeth I and ended 18 years into that of Charles II. His very natural, almost relaxed lyricism and the changes in metre and mood ensure delight from start to finish.

Fretwork, with no more than four of its players performing together at any one time, keeps his music light and airy, enjoying its intertwined lines – you can sense the players leaning in towards each other as they play – and creating a pleasing blend of sound.

The individual voices are clearly audible, with the organ very much in the background apart from when it emerges for a few bars’ solo. Although recorded in Orford Church, the resonance is kept to a minimum, so that the sound is more chamber than church.

Janet Banks