The Lupo family were Sephardic Jews, probably from Portugal, who had settled in Milan and Venice before being brought to London, where they thrived despite the precarious situation for Jews in England at the time.
Composer Biography
Thomas Lupo, the composer on this album, was only 16 when he joined the English court violin consort in 1588 and remained there until his death.
Composer Biography
Despite a secure position and being considered one of the finest composers of his time, Thomas Lupo was severely in debt by the end of his life.
Compositional Technique
Thomas Lupo's viol consort music features unique combinations of viols in his three-part Fantasies, including configurations like three basses, three trebles, or two trebles and a tenor.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Thomas Lupo's five- and six-part fantasies show a command of counterpoint and reference Italian madrigals, reflecting the fashionable Italian influences at the English court.
Historical Context
The Lupo family, including composer Thomas Lupo, were immigrants brought from Venice to London by Henry VIII in 1539-1540 to enhance his court music.
Performer Biography
Fretwork, the ensemble on this recording, is celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2021 and has explored the core repertory of English consort music while also commissioning over 40 new works.
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