John Jenkins - Division. The Virtuoso Consort (Fretwork; Silas Wollston)

Information

Composer: John Jenkins

• Fantasia Suite in D Major for 2 Trebles, 2 Basses to the Organ, VdGS No. 8
• Fantasy in D Major for Treble and 2 Basses to the Organ, VdGS No. 8
• Fantasia Suite in G Minor for Treble and 2 Basses, VdGS No. 1
• Fancy & Air Divisions in A Minor for 2 Trebles, Bass and Organ, VdGS No. 2
• Fantasia Suite in D Minor for Treble, 2 Basses and Organ, VdGS No. 7
• Fantasy in G Major for Treble and 2 Basses to the Organ, VdGS No. 10
• Fancy & Air Divisions in C Major for 2 Trebles, Bass and Organ, VdGS No. 4
• Sonata in D Minor for Treble, Bass and Basso continuo
• Fantasia Suite in A Minor for 2 Trebles and 2 Basses to the Organ, VdGS No. 2
• Fantasy in D Minor for 2 Trebles and Bass, VdGS No. 5
• Fancy & Air Divisions in E Minor for 2 Trebles, Bass and Organ, VdGS No. 6

Fretwork

    Emilia Benjamin

    Emily Ashton

    Joanna Levine

    Sam Stadlen

    Richard Boothby

&

Silas Wollston, organ

Date: 2025

Label: Signum Classics

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In September 2025, Fretwork release an album dedicated to John Jenkins, a prolific composer whose career bridged the eras of Byrd and Purcell. Jenkins, renowned for his viol consort fantasias, drew on influences from Ferrabosco, Lupo, and Gibbons, developing a style marked by lyrical beauty, refined counterpoint, and tonal innovation. The album follows Fretwork’s recent tribute to Orlando Gibbons (My Days, 2025) and their celebrations of Arvo Pärt’s 90th year. Over recent decades, Fretwork have championed English consort music from Taverner to Purcell, created benchmark recordings, and commissioned new works for viols. They mark their 40th anniversary in 2026.

Since their 1986 debut, Fretwork have built a reputation as one of the most versatile viol ensembles, with a repertory stretching from the first printed music of 1501 to contemporary works written for them today. Their international tours have introduced audiences worldwide to the viol’s distinctive sound, though they now favor train and car travel. Their recordings of Purcell, Gibbons, Lawes, Dowland, and Byrd are regarded as definitive, while they have also expanded the instrument’s repertoire through commissions from composers such as George Benjamin, Nico Muhly, Elvis Costello, and John Woolrich. Fretwork’s artistry bridges past and present with exceptional consistency.