the five musicians of ensemble mikado play renaissance and medival music in the most subtle and sincere way. I had the chance to photo-
graph the release of the latest album with english consort music and like to introduce the lyrics of one of their songs, 'o thrice-blessed earthbed' by john tomkins.
o, o, thrice-blessed earthbed, under whose happy pressure all in a sheet more blessed, lies fast my sleeping treasure. palilia, palilia, palilia awaken! leave death's cold, too cold pleasure. no love in death is taken. but thou with death, aye me, aye me, art ever living. and I in death still live, in love am dying. but death's hand is but vain, soul to dissever: we'll live in heav'n again, we'll live for ever. no chance shall there pursue our souls here distressed. till then adieu, adieu, most blessed.