What is music consort?

A music consort is a group of musicians, typically instrumentalists, who perform Renaissance or Baroque music together. The term "consort" was originally used in the 16th century to describe groups of Renaissance instruments playing together, and later came to include vocal ensembles as well. The repertoire of a music consort typically includes pieces written specifically for the group's instrumentation, as well as arrangements of vocal music for instrumental performance.

Music consorts may be made up of any combination of instruments, depending on the repertoire being performed. Common instruments include viols (stringed instruments similar to the modern-day cello and violin), recorders, lutes, harpsichords, and early wind instruments such as the cornetto or shawm.

While music consorts were originally associated with courtly or aristocratic circles, they have also become popular in academic and early music performance contexts. Many modern-day ensembles specialize in performing Renaissance and Baroque music, and use period instruments and techniques to recreate the sound of early music.