In the seventeenth century England was thought to be the home of making, playing and composing for the viol. This programme explores the rich repertory of virtuosic music for two bass viols and chamber organ, including dances, fantasias and sonatas by John Ward, William Lawes, John Jenkins, William Young, Gottfried Finger and Henry Purcell.

This programme brings together two of Britain’s leading viol players. Mark Caudle has played the viol solo many times in the Festival, most recently in the Gainsborough programme in 2008. Susanne Heinrich has won high praise for her recording of solo gamba music by Charles Frederick Abel, and received a Gramophone award for it in 2008.