Phantasm's Byrd is Editor's Choice

We are happy to report that the September issue of Gramophone revealed that William Byrd: Complete Consort Music was chosen as Editor's Choice!  Gramophone reviewer Julie Ann Sadie gave the recording a glowing review:

"The playing is quite simply divine. Phantasm have long been known for their musical precision, to which they bring to this music a warm, woody, soft-edged articulation that suits it very well. The pacing of individual pieces and sections within them seems particularly sensitively judged and Byrd's textures sublimely balanced. Thanks, too, to Linn's engineers, we are able to experience with sparkling clarity Byrd's remarkable chamber music legacy."

This latest accolade follows a run of high profile praise from the music industry.  In France the album won a Diapason d'Or: "...an exceptional success", BBC Music Magazine gave it five stars and named it Disc of the Month: "Ensemble and intonation are flawless..." and MusicWeb International also named it Recording of the Month: "The performances here are excellent, and the recording as good as possible for a viol consort."                     

Phantasm's previous recording on Linn, John Ward: Consort music for five and six viols, was named a Finalist at the 2010 Gramophone Awards and was a Choice Recording in BBC Music Magazine.

Congratulations Phantasm!