Regimental musicians of the 18th century were often called upon to perform above and beyond their daily duties. In the absence of a proper wind band (normally associated with Artillery), fifers would provide genteel music for Officers’ soirees and festive occasions where the raucous clatter of the fifes & drums would simply be inappropriate. In this spirit, MCV has formed a Chamber Consort of fifers attired in a more formal order of the MCV field livery, presenting classical, folk, and martial music of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The Consort performs on a combination of Bb and Eb bass fifes to produce a pleasing chamber sound suitable for indoor occasions. The repertoire includes works from composers such as Mozart, Handel, O’Carolan, Billings, Oswald, Bach, and Mouret and an extensive repertoire of traditional Christmas music. The Consort is available in several configurations, from a standard quartet all the way up to an octet. If your event has a more contemporary feel, the Consort can also appear in standard "concert black" vs. period uniforms. Listen to MCV Chamber Consort: listen to the set Cigarettes & VO, recorded in May 2009.
For more information on the Chamber Consort or to inquire about hiring the group please contact us: Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes & Drums
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