This new release will transport the listener into the court of King Charles II. Known as the “Merry Monarch,” King Charles II restored his court’s...

This new release will transport the listener into the court of King Charles II. Known as the “Merry Monarch,” King Charles II restored his court’s cultural life with his ensemble of violin, viola da gamba, theorbo, and harp, which was gathered with the intent of entertaining the king.; Only the Harp Consorts by William Lawes are the remaining compositions for this instrumental combination. This program, based around the Consorts, also includes works by Byrd, Simpson, Playford, Dowland, and Locke.; This is the CD debut of Il Caleidoscopio Ensemble, who perform on these period instruments.