What is a consort?

A consort is a group of musicians who perform instrumental music together, typically consisting of a small number of players. The term "consort" originally referred to a group of instruments of the same family, such as viols or recorders, but has since been applied more broadly to any ensemble of similar or complementary instruments, including strings, winds, and brass.

Consorts were particularly popular in Renaissance and Baroque music, and were often associated with courtly entertainment and ceremonial occasions. They typically performed a repertoire of dances, variations, and arrangements of popular songs and vocal music.

In addition to their musical function, consorts also played an important social role, serving as a means of cultural exchange and communication between different countries and regions. They were often formed by aristocratic patrons or wealthy merchants and supported by royal or municipal funding.

Today, the tradition of consort music continues, with many contemporary ensembles performing both early and modern repertoire.