William Lawes (1602-1645; period before Purcell) is one of the most important key figures in the music of England. He was one of the personal musicians at the court of King Charles I, and died at an early age during the English Civil War (1642-51). He left behind many songs, madrigals and of course music for string consort. PHANTASM, a quartet of viols, catapulted into prominence when their debut recording of Purcell won a Gramophone Award for the Best Baroque Instrumental Recording of 1997. Since then, they have become recognized as the most exciting viol consort active on the international scene. Critics have called their performances and recordings: intoxicating, revelatory, electrifying, interpretations pervaded by a truly burning spirit. Based in London, PHANTASM maintains an active concert life throughout Europe and America, breathing new life into English consort music as well as creating a dynamic rehearing of music by JS Bach. The quartet has issued four discs on Simax Classics (music by Purcell, Byrd and Bach), and another on the Global Music Network (Matthew Locke). This CD marks their first record for Channel Classics. Awards: Editors Choice Gramophone/ Goldberg: 5 stars/ Recording of the 2002 Medieval / renaissance recordings/ 10/10 classics today/ choc du Monde de la Musique