This recording features music Shakespeare might have known. From the late 15th to the early 17th century courtiers all across Europe frequently enjoyed instrumental versions of these songs and dances. At a renaissance concert one would hear lute solos, duos and even mixed groups of winds, viols and plucked instruments called consorts. Peter Blanchette followed this tradition of repertoire and ensemble on Archguitar Renaissance, working with the remarkable Charlie Schneeweis on brass instruments to create a "virtual consort." Charlie's wonderful mix of reserve and purity of tone, wedded to Blanchette's multi-tracked archguitars yielded a fresh voice to ancient music. Reviewers say the program captures the stateliness and passion of Renaissance courtly life.

with Charlie Schneeweis, horns