Album review: William Byrd, Complete Consort Music

*****Linn CKD 372, £13.99

William Byrd was a contemporary of Elizabeth I and this recording of consort music for viols matches Elizabeth's reign, from 1558 to 1603, to within a year.

By mixing up compositions rather than playing them sequentially, the excellent Phantasm ensemble demonstrate Byrd's creativity and their own virtuosity.

Calm, reflective, highly enjoyable music throughout.

Download this: Track 2, The Leaves Be Green

This article was first published in Scotland On Sunday, 10 July, 2011