Fans of early–in this case 17th century–consort music will find much to enjoy on this program of “Fantasias and Airs” by English composer John Jenkins. The Locke Consort, an experienced and acclaimed ensemble based in the Netherlands, presents these 15 selections in clearly defined, richly colored performances, intimately and faithfully captured by Channel Classics’ producer/engineer Jared Sacks. The combination of two baroque violins, gamba, and theorbo creates a distinctly brighter sound than a typical viol consort–the violin lines, especially, are more prominent. Nevertheless, the blend and balance are carefully maintained, and the players never hold back their natural expressive tendencies. In other words, in the hands of these very capable players the music, which has an inherent lightness and rhythmic spring, is given full opportunity to exhibit its extrovert character.
Now, if this review sounds vaguely familiar, you might remember my recent discussion of this same disc (type Q4668 in Search Reviews)–or was it? That CD, which comes in a special heavier, rounded-corner jewel box was the Super Audio/Stereo Multi-Channel version, mastered for those enthusiasts with correspondingly special playback equipment. As I said in my original review, even with a good-quality standard CD player you can “appreciate the clear, natural sound and realistic room ambience captured on this recording.” The question is, how does the subject of this review–a non-SACD, non-multi-channel, regular ol’ disc (albeit recorded using the same microphones and digital converter) compare when played on that same standard CD player? Is there enough difference in sound (or any difference) to warrant springing for the more expensive SACD even if you don’t have Super Audio equipment? In a word, the answer is “no”. However, in a few more words, there is a difference in clarity and dynamic depth–that is, with the SACD you feel more realistic presence of the instruments and a fuller range of volume that gives particular substance to the bass. This regular ol’ CD is still better-sounding than most and without A/B comparison you’ll not find anything lacking. The choice, of course, is yours.
