The 12 fantasies, two In nomines and two pavans included here belong firmly in the former category. In a characteristically entertaining note, Phantasm’s director Laurence Dreyfus makes that the point that this is not, as is sometimes suggested, music for amateurs, the contrapuntal writing demanding equal facility and technique in all six parts.

For the same reason, the often-dense counterpoint means that neither is it music for idle listening. Yet for the attentive listener it makes for a highly rewarding experience, since Jenkins’ writing is crafted with the utmost skill and is never formulaic.

Dreyfus cites Fantasia 5 as an obvious example, but one might equally note that Fantasia 1 moves from a mood of playfulness and syncopated dance rhythms to one of austere gravity. Those unfamiliar with the music might turn first to the two pavans, particularly the one in F, a relatively familiar piece with a lovely opening strain that taps into that peculiarly English vein of melancholy.

The performances are throughout beautifully judged, sensing unerringly the rises and falls of tension - listen, for example, to the superb build-up and release the players achieve in In Nomine 2.

This is a magnificent recording.
BRIAN ROBINS

Six-Part Consorts
JOHN JENKINS
Phantasm
Laurence Dreyfus, Wendy Gillespie, Jonathan Manson, Markku Luolajan-Mikkola, Emilia Benjamin, Mikko Perkola
Avie AV2099
2005 - 66:07 min.