Orlando Gibbons: The Silver Swan. Molly Netter, soprano, The Voice of the Viol consort 8K video

Orlando Gibbons' perfect miniature, "The Silver Swan."
Live 8K video from the Voice of the Viol "Entertainment for Elizabeth" concert, December, 2023. The Voice of the Viol, directed by Elisabeth Reed, is a program of Voices of Music.
Elizabethan viols Voices of Music is developing programs for two consorts of viols, one from the Elizabethan period and earlier (in this video), as well as an early renaissance consort from around the year 1500 to perform works published by Petrucci, the first music publisher, and his contemporaries.
The renaissance Elizabethan viols are primarily based on the work of John Rose, who was famous by the 1550s for his “vyalls” and other instruments. Although these instruments were from the middle of the century, only the later instruments survive, and it is not known if Rose’s style changed over the years, so these instruments either reflect the practice as early as the 1550s or, more likely, as late as the 1590s, although the changes may have been minor over the years. Notably, the design of the Amati violins from roughly the same time period changed very little. The Rose workshop parallels Elizabeth’s reign as queen, and so these instruments are an excellent choice for this repertory.
The English court imported a great many Italian instruments beginning with the reign of Henry VIII, but the Rose instruments were considered preeminent for the viols, even as the lutes and recorders were mainly sourced from Italy and Germany. For the renaissance ideal, the consort was conceived of as a matched set, and all the instruments played tonight were made by one builder, Wesley Brandt, using similar patterns, techniques and timbers based closely on historical models. The close matching gives the ensemble a unique sound and is essential for consort music.
Entrenched in a multitude of styles from an early age, Canadian-American soprano Molly Netter enlivens complex and beautiful music both old and new. Noted for her “natural warmth” (LA Times) and “clear, beautiful tone” (NY Times), Molly’s voice can be heard on five Grammy nominated albums since 2017.
Musicians (center, left to right)
Molly Netter, soprano
Elisabeth Reed, Farley Pearce,
David Miller & William Skeen, Elizabethan viols
David Tayler, renaissance lute by Andreas von Holst
after Wendelio Venere, circa 1582
8K Video: Lloyd Hryciw and Rob Clevenger
Audio engineer: Boby Borisov
Post Production: David Tayler and Andrew Levy
Produced by Hanneke van Proosdij
Score transcribed and arranged by Voices of Music
Molly's thumbnail portrait by Jiyang Chen
Special thanks to Margaret Cohen.
Performance, video, audio & score Copyright Voices of Music 2023.
#silverswan

[trishtraynor]

I’m in my 70s now but my muscle memory has retained the 2nd Sop part of this from the Madrigal Group at school when I was 12. 😍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Isn’t music an extraordinary experience. Thank you. 🎶❤️

[fotisgimian]

I truly wish every soprano sang with this gorgeous bel canto style. The melody is crystal clear with only a gentle amount of vibrato where needed. This is an absolutely incredible performance, congratulations! ❤

[williamdeng]

Many thanks to the musicians who have dedicated their efforts to preserving the musical sound of the Baroque period.

[kristenrosales]

A most excellent piece of music consort of viols, fit for Queen Elizabeth I !!

[titanic]

Hello, Voices of Music. Thank you so much for video. Happy upcoming Holiday.

[michaelreaper]

Thanks ..Well Done ..great sound .. Merry Christmas All .. :)