Last updated: 10 hours ago
Described by Gramophone as having released 'unquestionably the most beautiful recording of the Lachrimae', Chelys have garnered a reputation for faithful yet fresh interpretations of the consort repertoire. They take their name from an ancient Greek word which referred to a bowed lyre, said to have been invented by the god Hermes. The word was borrowed by the English violist Christopher Simpson on the title page of his treatise 'The Division Viol' when he translated the work into Latin. Perhaps this is what inspired their world premiere recording of Simpson's Airs for two trebles and two basses, a disc described as ‘wonderfully supple, propulsive and alive’ by the Guardian.
The members of Chelys are among the UK’s leading exponents of the viol, particularly as a consort instrument. They frequently collaborate with other period instrumentalists and singers, especially enjoying repertoire for voices and viols. A recent highlight has been recording songs and consort music by William Byrd with mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston in Byrd's 400th anniversary year. A collaboration with vocal consort Fieri saw Chelys performing and recording the complete 5-part viol fantasias of Michael East alongside some of East’s compositions for voices and viols, where the two ensembles also commissioned a piece from composer Jill Jarman. Chelys have continued their association with Jill in The Language of Bells, a major new commission alongside percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie and four singers.
The members of Chelys are among the UK’s leading exponents of the viol, particularly as a consort instrument. They frequently collaborate with other period instrumentalists and singers, especially enjoying repertoire for voices and viols. A recent highlight has been recording songs and consort music by William Byrd with mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston in Byrd's 400th anniversary year. A collaboration with vocal consort Fieri saw Chelys performing and recording the complete 5-part viol fantasias of Michael East alongside some of East’s compositions for voices and viols, where the two ensembles also commissioned a piece from composer Jill Jarman. Chelys have continued their association with Jill in The Language of Bells, a major new commission alongside percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie and four singers.
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