Fascinating works by Matthew Locke

Overview of Matthew Locke and His Works

Matthew Locke, a renowned composer from the Baroque period, was a major English Baroque composer and music theorist, particularly influential in the period before Henry Purcell. Born around 1621 and deceased in 1677, Locke was trained as a chorister at Exeter Cathedral under Edward Gibbons, the brother of Orlando Gibbons. He lived through the English Civil War and traveled to the Netherlands around the age of eighteen. It is speculated that he may have served the exiled Prince Charles there. Later, Locke held significant musical posts at the English royal court, writing for the King’s Twenty Four Violins, court wind bands, and the King’s Private Musicke. In 1661, he was appointed composer-in-ordinary to the King and, after converting to Roman Catholicism, became organist to Queen Catherine of Braganza. Locke also wrote part of the music for Sir William Davenant’s "The Siege of Rhodes" (1656), which is usually considered the first English opera. His treatise "Melothesia" (1673) was one of the earliest English works on figured bass, marking it as the first of its kind in English.

Fascinating Works by Matthew Locke

Matthew Locke offers a fascinating catalogue of instrumental and vocal chambers that drew the attention of music lovers and experts alike during the Restoration period. The following recordings and collections present a cross-section of Locke's output, highlighting his significance in English Baroque music and his versatility across genres:

The Broken Consort; Bass Viol Duos

In this album, Locke showcases his signature style, playing with the Parley of Instruments conducted by Peter Holman. The album features instrumental consort music, showcasing Locke’s mastery of late-Renaissance and early-Baroque styles.

Four & Twenty Fiddlers: Music for the Restoration Court Band

Another album by Locke, "Four & Twenty Fiddlers: Music for the Restoration Court Band," combines different forms of music from the Restoration period. The Parley of Instruments brings life to Locke's composition in this collection, reflecting his prominent post under King Charles II.

Locke: Anthems, Motets & Ceremonial Music

"Locke: Anthems, Motets, & Ceremonial Music” explores Locke's sacred compositions. The delivery by the Choir of New College Oxford, conducted by Edward Higginbottom, provides the necessary loftiness to Locke's anthems and motets, demonstrating his significant contributions to English church music.

Dance!

In "Dance!," Locke's composition is performed by the renowned violinist, Daniel Hope, and the Zürcher Kammerorchester, with compositions reimagining the vivacity of dance music from the Baroque period.

Pavans and Fantasies from the Age of Dowland

In "Pavans and Fantasies from the Age of Dowland," John Holloway performs a stunning collection of Locke’s compositions, highlighting the composer's depth and mastery of strings. While Dowland was from an earlier generation, this collection places Locke’s music in the context of English instrumental traditions.

English Lute Songs: Ayres for Countertenor

"English Lute Songs: Ayres for Countertenor" sees countertenor Robin Blaze and lutenist Elizabeth Kenny interpreting Locke's compositions, offering a fresh perspective to his musical genius and highlighting the vocal writing of the era.

For His Majestys Sagbutts & Cornetts: English Music from Henry VIII to Charles II

"For His Majestys Sagbutts & Cornetts: English Music from Henry VIII to Charles II" by His Majesties Sagbutts and Cornetts offers a delightful collection of British music from across several royal reigns, featuring works by Matthew Locke.

Favourite Baroque Classics

In "Favourite Baroque Classics," the Brandenburg Consort led by Roy Goodman interprets Locke

Matthew Locke

Albums

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Overview of Matthew Locke and His Works