Duo Chelys

The viol was introduced to England during the reign of Henry VIII and became soon an important instrument for the musical life in the country. Children in several choir schools were taught not only to sing but also to play the viol. These viol playing choir boys were part of the beginning of a strong tradition of consort playing in England and composers started to write textless polyphony for consorts of viols.

In this program Duo Chelys presents Fantasias and Airs in the polyphonic style but also pieces in the very popular and virtuoso “Division” style where the “Ground” (the bass line) is “broken” into smaller notes.