Elisa is the Fayrest Quene

Elisa is the Fayrest Quene
QuinEssential Sackbut
Cornett Ensemble
Chandos Records Ltd.
(ASIN B00006FSPD)

Payment records of 1559 show that when Queen Elizabeth assumed the crown, she inherited the court's musicians: vocalists from the Chapel's Royal, "Royal Musicke," and ten "Ordynary musicians," including six Sackbut players. In fact, cornets and sackbuts (trumpets and trombones) were essential in creating the majestic courtly dances and processions of the Renaissance.

The QuintEssential Sackbut and Cornett Ensemble demonstrate their instrumental mastery on a divergent, well-chosen collection of 19 songs from the late 1500s. Performed on harpsichord, lute, tabors, and the regal and chamber organs, they also lend a gratifying tribute to the bagpipes, titled "Suite of Almands." Even the tracks with vocals represent Elizabeth's court well, with a strong sense of ensemble musicality.

The "Suite of Five Galliards" is among the best tracks, with almost eight minutes of uninterrupted, upbeat dances from 1591. "Come Again, Sweet Love Doth Now Invite" is also vocally stunning. In what might best be described as a madrigal style, the voices blend artfully, invoking a real sense of passion.
Ideal for fanciful feasts both great and small, Elisa is the Fayrest Quene offers a delightful alternative to those who cannot afford the prestige of private courtly musicians. Stylishly set amidst period instruments, the regal "wynde" instruments and stylized vocals will whisk you away to the courts of yesteryear.

— Kevin and Linda Williams