Fiddlers Three

We've done it! After a few years of research and development, and with help from funding partners, we've recorded our innovative Fiddlers Three programme.

Aileen Henry, Kate Fawcett, Lynda Sayce, Jonathan Rees, Catherine Martin, Martin Perkins and Anna Curzon

The project involves exploring repertoire written for Charles II's 'Private Musick' during the 1660s-80s. The collection of musicians during the Restoration included three violinists, and a number of works were written for the ensemble. Some of these pieces, notably Purcell's Three parts upon a ground, are well known whereas others have not previously been recorded or even performed.

Catherine Martin, Kate Fawcett and Anna Curzon (violin)

Alongside works for three violins by Nicola Matteis, Lambert Pietkin, Gottfried Finger and John Jenkins, we explored repertoire written at the time with associations with the English court musicians.

Lynda Sayce (therobo) and Jonathan Rees (bass viol)

These included solo works for harpsichord by Christopher Preston, improvised divisions on a ground for bass viol by Christopher Simpson, solo guitar music and three pieces for solo violin.

Jonathan Rees (bass viol and cello)

Robin Bigwood (producer), Anna Curzon (violin)

A previously unrecorded set of variations on La Folia by Nicola Matteis found only in one manuscript in Christ Church College, Oxford was recorded by Anna Curzon. An anonymous setting of 'I am the Duke of Norfolk' for violin and bass viol was recorded by Kate Fawcett with Jonathan Rees. Court violinist, Davis Mell left numerous works for solo violin. His suite for scordatura violin was recorded by Catherine Martin.

Aileen Henry (harp)

Funding for this project was awarded by the Continuo Foundation and Musica Britannica

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