A consort of instruments was a phrase used in England during the 17th century to indicate an instrumental ensemble. Royal motto: Dieu et mon droit (French: God and my right) Englands location within the UK Official language English de facto Capital London de facto Largest city London Area - Total Ranked 1st UK 130,395 km² Population - Total (mid-2004) - Density Ranked 1st UK 50. ... (16th century - 17th century - 18th century - more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 17th century was that century which lasted from 1601-1700. ... A musical ensemble is, by definition, a group of three or more musicians who gather to perform music. ...

A consort may be "whole", that is, all instruments of the same family. For example, a set of viols played together would be considered a whole consort. A "broken" consort would consist of instruments from various families. For example, a broken consort could consist of viols and lute playing together. Various Viole da gamba The viol or viola da gamba family of musical instruments is related to the vihuela, rebec, etc. ... Various Viole da gamba The viol or viola da gamba family of musical instruments is related to the vihuela, rebec, etc. ... The lute is a plucked string instrument with a fretted neck and a deep round back. ...

Composers of consort music during the Elizabethan era include John Dowland, Anthony Holborne, and William Byrd. Later 17th-century composers included Christopher Simpson, William Lawes, and Henry Purcell. The Elizabethan Era is the period associated with the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558 - 1603) and is often considered to be a golden age in English history. ... John Dowland (pronounced to rhyme with Roland) (1563 – February 20, 1626) was an English, possibly Irish-born composer and lutenist. ... Anthony Holborne (c. ... William Byrd William Byrd (1540? – July 4, 1623) was one of the most celebrated English composers in the Renaissance. ... William Lawes (1602–1645) was an English composer and musician. ... Henry Purcell (IPA: ; September 10 (?), 1659 (?)–November 21, 1695), a Baroque composer, is generally considered to be one of Englands greatest composers — indeed, he has often been called Englands finest native composer. ...