Silk & Tweed / Various Silk & Tweed / Various CD

Nicola Matteis came to England about the year 1672, and the earliest account we have of his wonderful powers on the violin is given us by the gossiping Pepys: "November 19, 1674. I heard that stupendous violin, Sig. Nicholao (with other rare musicians), whom I never heard mortal man exceed on that instrument. He had a stroke so sweet, and made it speak like the voice of a man, and, when he pleased, like a consort of several instruments. He did wonders upon a note and was an excellent composer. Here was also that rare lutenist Dr. Walgrave; but nothing approached the violin in Nicholao's hand. He played such ravishing things as astonished us all. "The present release from violinist