Broken consort

A broken consort is a musical ensemble from the Renaissance and early Baroque periods that combines instruments from different families—such as strings, winds, and percussion—rather than a uniform group of similar instruments. This diversity creates a rich and varied sound, showcasing different timbres and textures. The term "broken" refers to the mix of different instrument types, as opposed to "whole" consorts, which consist of instruments from the same family. Such ensembles were popular for domestic music-making and entertainment, allowing for expressive interplay and a broad sonic palette.