Matthew Locke: Seven Suites

Matthew Locke's "Seven Suites" is a captivating journey through the intricate and expressive world of 17th-century English music. Released in 1990 under the Globe label, this album presents a collection of seven suites, each a masterful blend of dance movements and fantasies, showcasing Locke's innovative compositional style and his significant contributions to the development of English Baroque music.

The album opens with "The Broken Consort, Part 1," featuring suites in C major, C major, D minor, and D major. These suites are characterized by their lively fantasies, elegant courantes, and stately sarabands, interspersed with ayres that blend the elegance of the almand dance with vocal elements. The second part of "The Broken Consort" includes a suite in F major, highlighting the pavan, galliard, and jigg, each movement demonstrating Locke's skill in creating dynamic and engaging musical dialogues.

"Tripla Concordia" is another highlight of the album, presenting a suite in G minor that explores a wider range of dance forms, including the saraband, gavotte, country dance, and masque dance. This suite is notable for its intricate textures and rich harmonies, showcasing Locke's ability to create complex and expressive musical landscapes.

The album concludes with "The Little Consort," featuring a suite in B flat major that includes a pavan, ayre, courante, and saraband. This suite is a testament to Locke's versatility and his ability to create music that is both technically demanding and deeply expressive.

Throughout "Seven Suites," Matthew Locke's compositions are brought to life with a sense of vitality and precision, making this album a compelling exploration of the rich and varied world of 17th-century English music. With a duration of 55 minutes, it offers a comprehensive and engaging listening experience that highlights the enduring appeal of Locke's work.