In 1599, Anthony Holborne (c.1545-1602) published Pavans, Galliards,Almains, and other short Aeirs both grave, and light, in five parts, for Viols,Violins, or other Musicall Winde Instruments through William Barley, theAsigne of Thomas Morley.  Holbornewas a very accomplished and well-known composer; in his publications he refered to himself as “servant to her most excellent Majestie” (ElizabethI). Many of the pieces in this set of quintets are his own arrangements frompreviously published works for lute, bandora, or cittern. The more famous andmore frequently played pieces tend to come toward the end of the publication,yet there are hidden gems throughout.

This complete set of quintets fromHolborne’s 1599 publication work well for strings, winds, or brokenconsort.  For recorder players, atypical quintet comprised of SAATB (or TBB,GB,CB) usually works well. Also, manyof the pieces have parts that fit nicely on instruments with more narrow rangessuch as the crumhorn, cornamuse, or gemshorn.  The Quintus and Tenor parts are available in C-Clef as aseparate order.