Quodlibet
Quodlibet has several musical meanings. One is ‘what
you will’.
Dr Peter Giles founded this Canterbury-based quintet in
June 2000,
to specialize in exploring and celebrating the rich repertory
written for mixed-voice small ensemble, one singer per part,
mostly unaccompanied; also works for mixed, medium-sixed
ensemble; and shorter items for all-male or female voices.
Unlike that of most comparable ensembles,
Quodlibet---quite correctly---keeps mostly to secular music:
madrigals and where historically appropriate, other Renaissance
and medieval repertoire; similarly, glees and catches; part-songs;
some longer works; discerningly selected sacred music,
folk-song and other arrangements; contemporary compositions;
humorous and light items; trios, duets and solos.
Programmes are always varied, and usually include
the spoken word.
‘Quodlibet were in the smoothly beautiful formwe expect
of them. As always, this five-voice group, singing mostly
unaccompanied, delighted its audience with pure-blended
tone, well-balanced ensemble and judicious programme-content’---Kentish
Gazette
