The Ricercar Consort is an ensemble of instrumentalists devoted to repertory largely from the 17th century and is generally considered one of the foremost groups in the genre of Baroque music. The director of the ensemble since its founding has been Philippe Pierlot. Active for more than four decades, it has made dozens of recordings and given countless concerts across the globe. The ensemble's membership varies to accommodate the performance of small and large works. The group's name pertains to a 16th and 17th century genre of instrumental music, typically contrapuntal and often involving the organ. While the repertory has embraced mostly Baroque-era music, the Ricercar Consort has ventured into the Classical period and received special praise for its complete Haydn Baryton Octets. In 2021, the Ricercar Consort was heard on the albums Beethoven: Irish Songs and Bach: Soli Deo Gloria.