English Consort Music

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
There's something very appealing about the idea of a consort of instruments: a happy, compatible group of viols or recorders or some combination thereof making agreeable sounds together, be it a dance, a fantasia, or an arrangement of a song. The thing that listeners notice immediately is how well the instruments sound together, and indeed, the timbres of Renaissance strings and winds--thanks to the predominance of resonating wood, gut strings, and the occasional natural reed--create a far more mellow, sweet, and warm sound than we usually hear from modern instruments. This disc features a consort of recorders of all shapes and sizes; the music is by Byrd, Ferrabosco, and several lesser- known composers. There's nothing fancy here, just straightforward, honest, flawless performances of music that, long before television, ordinary people would have played for an evening's entertainment. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Can't recommend it.......2007-07-03

I can't recommend this recording unreservedly. Mr. Padmore's voice seems hard pressed and tremulous in some of the arias, and his Italian is un-idiomatic. His diction is superb, in both the English and Italian arias, and the choice of repertoire is adventurous, but I will stick to Robert White.

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-06-23

PADMORE HAS ARRIVED!!!!!Gramophone writes: "Mark Padmore uses his extraordinary diction and whispering chamber-like intimacy to remind us that the most exalted tenor arias from the operas and oratorios can achieve true potency even out of context..." To which I heartily agree. This is truly a wondrous portrayal of the many and varied moods of Handels' works. The tenor roles on this disc stretch between Handel's first and last oratorios, and most of them share a philosophy that implies that the dire consequences of personal pride, emotional selfishness, political ambition and sexual lust are amended by virtue and reason.

Padmore has always excelled with his velvet-toned tenderness, such as is displayed on this disc in "Where'er You Walk" from Semele and Jephtha's seraphic "Waft Her Angels". However, in this album he shows that he has acquired a stength and Italian vibrancy in his tone quality as he sings Jeptha's victory aria: "His Mighty Arm" and Bajazet's magnificent death aria :"Figlia mia-Tu spietato" from Tamerlano. I have never heard this death aria sung as well by anyone!!!!And, of course , the lovely melody, so beautifully performed by Padmore and Lucy Crowe is the 'crown' on this album: 'As Steals the Morn'.
Mark Padmore can be listed with the best of the present day tenors. And Andrew Manze with his sensively implemented accompaniment; just perfect!!!I would be remiss if I did not mention the very attractive packaging of the disc as well as the accompanying information; very superior.

Without peer....!.......2007-06-14

I fully agree with the listener above, this is some of the most beautiful and expressive Handel singing in a very long time. I sat in rapture between my two B&W's. Mark Padmore has just raised the bar and Andrew Manze and the English Concert support with playing of stunning virtousity....warm enveloping engineering and you most certainly have a disc to treasure. Please don't hesitate if you love Handel!!

Best Tenor Handel Singing Ever.......2007-06-13

We are in a Golden Age of Handel singing with Andreas Scholl, Daniel Taylor, Vivica Genaux, Ewa Podles and others making baroque music popular again. If you don't own any Lorraine Hunt Lieberson singing Handel (especially with the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra) buy some today. But buy it alongside this disc. "As Steals the Morn" stole my heart. This is without a doubt the best tenor disc of Handel arias ever. WIth the women and the countertenors great versions of almost everything that Handel wrote abound. Padmore is in a class by himself among tenors singing this music. The singing is beautiful and heartfelt. This would join my Callas Tosca and Scotto Butterfly on a desert island.

Average customer rating:

Correlli's Concerti grossi, op. 6
Corelli's famous Concerti by my favorite period instrument orchestra and conductor
Christmas Concerto
Corelli: Master and Commander of Enchanting Melodies
Beautiful music performed to perfection

Corelli: 12 Concerti grossi, op. 6

Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00001IVOM
Release Date: 1999-09-14

Tracks:

Concerto No. 1 In D Major: 1. Largo
Concerto No. 1 In D Major: 2. Allegro
Concerto No. 1 In D Major: 3. Largo - Allegro
Concerto No. 1 In D Major: 4. Allegro
Concerto No. 1 In D Major: 5. Largo
Concerto No. 1 In D Major: 6. Allegro
Concerto No. 1 In D Major: 7. Allegro
Concerto No. 2 In F Major: 1. Vivace - Allegro - Adagio - Vivace - Allegro - Largo Andante
Concerto No. 2 In F Major: 2. Allegro
Concerto No. 2 In F Major: 3. Grave - Andante Largo
Concerto No. 2 In F Major: 4. Allegro
Concerto No. 3 In C Minor: 1. Largo
Concerto No. 3 In C Minor: 2. Allegro
Concerto No. 3 In C Minor: 3. Grave
Concerto No. 3 In C Minor: 4. Vivace
Concerto No. 3 In C Minor: 5. Allegro
Concerto No. 4 In D Major: 1. Adagio - Allegro
Concerto No. 4 In D Major: 2. Adagio
Concerto No. 4 In D Major: 3. Vivace
Concerto No. 4 In D Major: 4. Allegro
Concerto No. 5 In B Flat Major: 1. Adagio - Allegro - Adagio
Concerto No. 5 In B Flat Major: 2. Adagio
Concerto No. 5 In B Flat Major: 3. Allegro - Adagio
Concerto No. 5 In B Flat Major: 4. Largo - Allegro
Concerto No. 6 In F Major: 1. Adagio
Concerto No. 6 In F Major: 2. Allegro
Concerto No. 6 In F Major: 3. Largo
Concerto No. 6 In F Major: 4. Vivace
Concerto No. 6 In F Major: 5. Allegro

Tracks:

Concerto No. 7 In D Major: 1. Vivace - Allegro
Concerto No. 7 In D Major: 2. Adagio
Concerto No. 7 In D Major: 3. Allegro
Concerto No. 7 In D Major: 4. Andante Largo
Concerto No. 7 In D Major: 5. Allegro
Concerto No. 7 In D Major: 6. Vivace
Concerto No. 8 In G Minor ('Christmas Concerto'): 1. Vivace - Grave. Arcate, sostenuto e come sta
Concerto No. 8 In G Minor ('Christmas Concerto'): 2. Allegro
Concerto No. 8 In G Minor ('Christmas Concerto'): 3. Adagio - Allegro - Adagio
Concerto No. 8 In G Minor ('Christmas Concerto'): 4. Vivace
Concerto No. 8 In G Minor ('Christmas Concerto'): 5. Allegro
Concerto No. 8 In G Minor ('Christmas Concerto'): 6. Largo. Pastorale ad libitum
Concerto No. 9 In F major: 1. Preludio: Largo
Concerto No. 9 In F major: 2. Allemanda: Allegro
Concerto No. 9 In F major: 3. Corrente: Vivace
Concerto No. 9 In F major: 4. Gavotta: Allegro
Concerto No. 9 In F major: 5. Adagio
Concerto No. 9 In F major: 6. Minuetto: Vivace
Concerto No. 9 In F major: 1. Preludio: Andante Largo
Concerto No. 9 In F major: 2. Allemanda: Allegro
Concerto No. 9 In F major: 3. Adagio
Concerto No. 9 In F major: 4. Corrente: Vivace
Concerto No. 9 In F major: 5. Allegro
Concerto No. 9 In F major: 6. Minuetto: Vivace
Concerto No. 11 In B Flat Major: 1. Preludio: Andante Largo
Concerto No. 11 In B Flat Major: 2. Allemanda: Allegro
Concerto No. 11 In B Flat Major: 3. Adagio
Concerto No. 11 In B Flat Major: 4. Andante Largo
Concerto No. 11 In B Flat Major: 5. Sarabanda: Largo
Concerto No. 11 In B Flat Major: 6. Giga: Vivace
Concerto No. 12 In F Major: 1. Preludio: Adagio
Concerto No. 12 In F Major: 2. Allegro
Concerto No. 12 In F Major: 3. Adagio
Concerto No. 12 In F Major: 4. Sarabanda: Vivace
Concerto No. 12 In F Major: 5. Giga: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Correlli's Concerti grossi, op. 6.......2007-03-24

As a person with a passion for music, especially classical, this CD is one the prettiest and the best.

Corelli's famous Concerti by my favorite period instrument orchestra and conductor.......2005-11-12

Trevor Pinnock's recording of Corelli's Op. 6 Concerti grossi will not be to all tastes. Those raised on traditional instrument recordings by such as Max Goberman/Vienna Sinfonietta (Odyssey LPs, circulated in the 1970s) or Paul Angerer/Southwest German Chamber Orchestra (Vox) may not like the clipped articulation and fast tempos Pinnock uses. But the English Concert is a joy to hear: and can THEY PLAY! The allegros sizzle with joy and tension (in the minor key movements) and I find myself unable to resist conducting myself to the rhythmic patterns they generate. I think Corelli would be pleased, and I doubt he ever heard this good a performance of his Opus 6 Concertos.

Concerto 8, subtitled "Christmas" may be the most famous Op. 6 Concerto. Pinnock's way with it may seem superficial, and tempos are faster than what I'm used to in this work. But I'm used to recordings of I Musici (Philips), Angerer (Vox), and Shepherd/Cantilena (Chandos). The closing "Pastorale" doesn't seem to have enough time to breathe, but Pinnock is more sensitive to the Baroque performance practice principles where Siciliana and Pastorale movements are played more quickly than 20th century conductors led them, adhering to more Romanticized performance practice.

As a set, I give this high marks, and there is alot of energy and joy without slighting Corelli's music. The recorded sound is also very good, and the strings have a full, rich sound, even with no vibrato and period instruments.

Christmas Concerto.......2005-11-05

The _Christmas Concerto_ (Opus 6 Number 8) is the best on the CD! If you like Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" or the Bach "Double" but have never heard Corelli's Christmas Concerto, I think you will like it very much.

Corelli: Master and Commander of Enchanting Melodies.......2005-03-25

In a world dominated by Gabrelli and Vivaldi, Corelli's 12 Concerti Grossi (Op. 6) are gems. The performance of Pinnock and the English Concert is superb and the Archive recording crystal clear and in high fidelity. To the inexperienced ear the components of each piece flow together, yet the distinguishable melodies create a relaxing, enjoyable atmosphere -- either for a listener intent on each note, or as atmosphere while going about the day's business or leisure. Guided to this recording by the soundtrack for the movie "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World," you will be not long into the first of this two CD set before being rewarded for your purchase. Wonderful.

Beautiful music performed to perfection.......2005-02-27

Corelli's opus 6 concerto grossi are what I consider to be ideal reading music. Some of the most beautiful music from the baroque period, Corelli sometimes doesn't get his due. However, without his remarkable accomplishments, we probably wouldn't be blessed with the fine concerto grossi from men such as Vivaldi and J.S.Bach and others

This particular performance is about as good as you will find. I've always found Trevor Pinnock's English Concert to be precise and clear. Comberti's performance is especially good on these CDs.

If you are looking to curl up with a good book and a bottle of excellent wine, this CD is an ideal companion to a wonderful evening.

Average customer rating:

English Renaissance music done beautifully.
They don't come much better.
The finest brass ensembles all on 1 album
An interesting spin on English Renaissance Music
Great sound. Definitely a must for your collection.

English Renaissance Music

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000026ZD
Release Date: 1990-03-12

Tracks:

Galliard
Alman: The Honeysuckle
The Silver Swan
Coranto: Heigh Ho Holiday
Oft Have I Vowed
My Bonny Lass
Coranto: Alarm
Fortune
Doe You Not Know
Pavan
Rowland (Lord Willoughby's March)
Thus Bonny-Boots
Jig
The Lady Oriana
The Satyr's Dance
Pavan Of Five Parts
Callino Casturame
O Care, Thou Wilt Despatch Me
Lullaby
The Fitzwilliam Suite: The Woods So Wilde
The Fitzwilliam Suite: Alman
The Fitzwilliam Suite: Pavana
The Fitzwilliam Suite: Galiarda
The Fitzwilliam Suite: La Volta
The Fitzwilliam Suite: The Earle Of Oxford's Marche
The Bells

Customer Reviews:

English Renaissance music done beautifully........2007-05-13

I bought this CD to have some authentic English Renaissance music in my collection,
and fell in love with it. The Earl of Oxford March is particularly appealing.

They don't come much better........2005-08-23

The incomparable Canadian Brass make this album a rare treat. From the first notes of Holborne's "Galliard" to the magnificent complexity of Byrd's "Fitzwilliam Suite", their renditions are sheer delight. The music is both relaxing and enjoyably stimulating. Repeated hearings allow the listener to discover some hidden turn or embellishment that was not noticed before, or to appreciate again the antiphonal and complementary interplay of the instruments in the antique harmonies they create. A most enjoyable recording.

The finest brass ensembles all on 1 album.......2002-01-31

I got this CD quite a while ago, and I still listen to it almost daily. Best at night in a candlelit room while it's raining sipping fine wine and reminising of the Renaissance festival! (wierd, I know. But that's just me) If you have an interest in this time period, you won't regret buying this CD.

An interesting spin on English Renaissance Music.......2000-08-09

The composers of 16th century England were able to take the music of other countries and produce something uniquely their own. So, too, has Canadian Brass taken English Renaissance music and made it into something wonderfully different. Immediately accessible (and acceptable) to modern ears, these tunes are a splendid treat. Almans and Galliards take on a whole new flavor when done entirely by brass instruments.

Great sound. Definitely a must for your collection........1999-11-05

I listen to this CD about once a week while riding to work so that I can keep my sanity. It was a gift from my daughters that keeps on giving.

Great Choral Classics from King's Choir of King's College, Cambridge

Average customer rating:

Great Choral Classics from King's Choir of King's College, Cambridge

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000007OTQ
Release Date: 1998-06-09

Tracks:

Miserere
Stabat Mater
Spem In alium
Sancte Deus
Ave verum corpus
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Gloria in excelsis deo
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Et in terra pax
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Laudamus te
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Gratias agimus tibi
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Propter magnam gloriam
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Domine Deus
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Domine Fili unigenite
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Domine Deus, Agnus Dei
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Qui tollis peccata mundi
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Qui sedes
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Quoniam tu solus Sanctus
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Cum Sancto Spiritu

Tracks:

This Is The Record Of John
Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Chorale: Jesu, Priceless Treasure
Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Chorus: So There Is Now No Condemnation
Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Chorale: In Thine Arm I Rest Me
Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Trio: Thus Then, The Law Of The Spirit Of Life In Christ Abiding
Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Chorus: Death, I Do Not Fear Thee
Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Chorus: Ye Are Not Of The Flesh
Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Chorale: Hence With Earthly Treasure
Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Trio: If Therefore Christ Abide In You
Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Chorale: Fare Thee Weel That Errest
Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Chorus: If By His Spirit
Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Chorale: Hence All Fears And Sadness
The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: Zadok The Priest
The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: My Heart Is Inditing
The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: Kings' Daughters
The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: Upon They Right Hand
The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: Kings Shall Be Thy Nursing Fathers
The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened
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The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: The King Shall Rejoice
The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: Exceeding Glad Shall He Be
The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: Glory And Great Worship... Thou Hast Prevented Him
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Medieval & Renaissance Minstrels, Songs & Dances

Average customer rating:

A very nice album for SCAdian ears
Recording is defective
adequate performances but totally inadequate information
A nice overview of very early music
Don't Be Affraid

Medieval & Renaissance Minstrels, Songs & Dances

Manufacturer: Legacy
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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English Renaissance Music

ASIN: B000002NR5
Release Date: 1994-07-18

Tracks:

Renaissance Song & Dance
Dance Suite - Eramus Widmann - Collection Of1613
Three English Songs For Voices And Instruments
Instrumental Music Of The Early Barogue
Festive Sounds
Trouvere Tunes
The Cabinet Organ
Lauda And Motet
Minstrel Melodies
Medieval Dances

Customer Reviews:

A very nice album for SCAdian ears.......2007-04-25

This is a fun album. it's festive, playful, and a real joy to listen to. There is something for everyone in this album--including and especially SCAdians. In fact there's probably at least one piece on this album that every SCAdian dancer, musician, and/or bard will recognize. There's courtly songs, love songs, and get out of your chair dances, even formal pieces you associate with concert halls.

Whether you play in the SCA or just love great historical music, this is one of the better albums I've ever bought--on amazon or anywhere else!

Recording is defective.......2007-04-06

The first one I got had a lot of popping and crackling, and some digital defects that cause the CD player to skip. I liked the music so I bought another copy and it was the same. Both wound up in the trash. Don't waste your money on this disk.

adequate performances but totally inadequate information.......2005-04-27

It is perhaps unfair to judge the performances on this recording (presumably made in the late 1950s/early 60s? - we are not given a date) by modern standards of early music performance. Yes, there are moments when the experimental nature of the approach is all too apparent, both in terms of the [im]plausibility of the interpretations and in the [at times] excruciating intonation (a particularly pertinent example is the shawm playing in track 10). But what is in fact by far the most deplorable feature of this recording is the utter sparsity of information provided - about the performers, the instruments, the composers, the repertoire, etc. Worse still, what little that is provided is often hopelessly inaccurate: sometimes in the form of blatant spelling errors (eg the Coventry Carol becomes here 'Lully Lullary', etc), at other times factual blunders (the medieval 'Estampie' in track 10 is in fact a 16th cent [ie Renaissance] tourdion, 'Quand je bois du vin clairet', whilst John Dowland's 'Frogg Galliard', c.1597, is here given an anonymous attribution...etc, etc, etc).

In short, for those not acquainted with pre-Baroque music, this is NOT a good place to start!!! Seasoned Early Music connoisseurs, on the other hand, may find a perverse pleasure in some atrocious moments, or perhaps take interest in its value as an example of historically informed performance style in the pioneering years - but you have been warned!!

For those interested, here are some alternative recommendations if you are new to this music: firstly, 2 wide-ranging compilations by 2 well-known ensembles -

1. Sinners and Saints - The New London Consort/Philip Pickett (Decca 48559)
2. Portrait ('Moyen Age et Renaissance') - Hesperion XX/Jordi Savall (Auvidis Fontalis 'Portrait' ES9904), or either of the 2 new compilations by Savall and his ensemble(s) on Alia Vox ('Harmonie Universelle', AV9810; 'Harmonie Universelle II', AV9839).

and a compilation (mostly of early music) featuring a number of different groups -

'Pastime with Good Company' (Alpha, A901) [includes groups like L'Arpegiatta, Le Poeme Harmonique, Diabolus in Musica...]

A nice overview of very early music.......2003-12-02

This was one of the first recordings of early music I ever bought. It's a broad survey of styles and periods, from the 12th to 17th centuries. I've become a more sohisticated listener since then, but I still get this one out fairly regularly. The recording is apparently old and the digital remastering was not done extraordinarily well, but those who are more interested in music than in audio equipment should be able to listen through the occasional (minor) vinyl surface noise. My major complaint (why I gave it 3 stars instead of 4) is the lack of documentation--there is no information about the musicians, and many of the composers are uncredited (some because they actually are anonymous, but sometimes out of apparent laziness). Still, at this price it's a bargain.

Don't Be Affraid.......2003-11-19

This cd is worth picking up. Yes the first couple of tracks have pops and crackles in it. And yes it sounds as if the music was transfered directly from a vinyl source. But the performances and selections on this cd are fabulous. And you get use to the flaws in the recordings. Which I find minor.

Tracks:

Concerto For Oboe And Orchestra In C Major: 1. Allegro spirituoso
Concerto For Oboe And Orchestra In C Major: 2. Andante
Concerto For Oboe And Orchestra In C Major: 3. Rondo: Allegretto
Concerto For Trumpet And Orchestra In E Flat Major: 1. Allegro
Concerto For Trumpet And Orchestra In E Flat Major: 2. Andante
Concerto For Trumpet And Orchestra In E Flat Major: 3. Finale: Allegro
Concerto For Harpsichord And Orchestra In D Major: 1. Vivace
Concerto For Harpsichord And Orchestra In D Major: 2. Un poco Adagio
Concerto For Harpsichord And Orchestra In D Major: 3. Rondo all'Ungarese: Allegro assai

Customer Reviews:

the definitive reading of the trumpet concerto.......2003-02-20

For me this reading of the Trumpet Concerto is as close to ideal as possible.

Bennett and Pinnock find a balance in this music that other interpreters invariably distort, one way or another. Maurice Andre, for all his attractive tone and phrasing, is unidiomatic as he tends to make these three movements into concert aria showpieces; Herseth and Solti, with the powerhouse Chicago Symphony, turn it into Mahler-lite; Marsalis and Leppard are overstated, the orchestral texture is opaque, and Marsalis for his part doesn't grasp the architecture of this music, distracted as he is by his concern to demonstrate his considerable virtuosity; Hardenburger and Marriner are understated (I've even thought they seem bored with the music) and miss the spirit of Haydn's sound and style; Immer and Hogwood, on period instruments, get the sytle exactly right, deliver an electrifying orchestral performance, and would be my first choice were everything not ruined in the end by Immmer's very weak tone - at times he is all but inaudible.

Bennett and Pinnock get it right. The period orchestra has the right balance and sonority; there is much more space in the texture so that all of the voices sound distinctly. Bennett, on a keyed trumpet, plays the solo part with flair and in balanced dialog with the orchestral counterpoint, and he uses the most engaging cadenzas, fills, and ornaments I've ever heard. Pinnock brings to the reading as a whole the sense of protortion, the earthiness, the rhythmic vitality that animate the Classical style, bring it to life.

Tracks:

Pavin Of Albarri
Gallyard
In Nomine A 5
In Nomine III A 5
Desperada
Gallyard
Allemande
Browning My Dear
In Nomine V A 5
Ronda
La Represa
(Gallyard)
In Nomine II A 5
In Nomine III A 5
Allemana D'Amor
(Dance)
Quemadmodum A 6
Di Sei Soprani
Pavana
Brandeberges
La Represa
In Nomine IV A 6
O Mater Mundi A 5
Pavana
Gallyard
(Dance)
In Nomine IV A 7
The Song Called Trumpets A 6
In Nomine V A 7

Amazon.com

It's always a treat to experience the best of something: in this case, a performance of 16th-century music. Of course, the form and makeup of the viol consort, which includes various sizes of viols, often joined by other strings such as lute, itself is an instrumental configuration as close to perfection as any ensemble can be. This, accompanied by a style of writing that fully exploits the complementary timbres and the abilities of each instrument to delineate intricate polyphonic passages as well as to deliver chordal harmonies with uniquely rich resonance, makes for some of the most listenable music ever invented. Jordi Savall and his Hesperion XX are simply the world's best at this sort of music, and on this program they just flawlessly go about their business, bringing us more than two dozen delightful, dancing pieces from several composers, including John Taverner, William Mundy, and Anonymous. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Transported to another age.......2001-01-23

Not that many years ago, my favourite classical DJ expressed the view that "original instruments" ensembles were a "passing fad". He was strong in his belief that early instruments, even those manufactured today on early models, couldn't provide the depth and range of music his critical ear required. The emergence of La Petite Band began the process of bending his rigid outlook. When Jordi Savall came into prominence, and in particular Savall's Hesperion XX, this commentator had become a staunch advocate. I followed right along with him.

This CD exemplifies the superb quality of music and sound production Savall and his team. It would be interesting to know just how deeply Savall gets into the production of his CDs, for they are uniformly excellent. This one takes us from Savall's Catalan to the courts of Elizabethan England. In presenting that time and place, Savall adds a special knowledge of how the music of that era was produced. You almost automatically feel yourself transported to an English manor house or palace to join the other courtiers in listening to these delightful renditions. It's important to remember that this was the primary domestic entertainment of the day. We forget how sensitive the hearing of the listeners of that day must have been to nuances we often miss in the sound competitive world we live in. They could, and did, focus on the sound and only the best was accepted. Or, indeed, even offered by composers.

Savall, as usual, has drawn it all together with finesse and ability. Watching him conduct is to see each note from every instrument drawn forth and assessed. It's almost as if the sound will not be released to the listener unless perfectly produced. But under his direction, that is exactly what is accomplished. Of all the CDs of Elizabethan instrumentals, this must be your first choice.

Exceptional!.......2001-01-22

This a wonderful cd and a must have if you enjoy this genre of classical music. A wonderful recording and very soothing to listen too. I find the opening track quite catchy. Get it!

Beautiful Sounds.......1999-11-18

This is a complex sort of music played on period instruments giving the late twentieth Century listener a challenge. Once you get over the novelty of the tones you find an underlying treat of rhythm and melody.

This is well worth buying.

Superb- For Connoisseurs of the Genre.......1999-08-22

Hesperion XX performs this genre of music as well as anyone today, and this recording shows their reputation is deserved. This music is played with consummate professionalism on period instruments. However, this might not be the best recording for a first exposure to this repetoire. It lacks a brightness that modern instruments have and that contemporary audiences frequently expect. It contains music by composers that you almost have to be a musicologist or a musician active in 16th century music to know. But if you want to hear a splendid and- I think- authentic recording of Elizabethan Consort music, then look no further.

Watkins Ale: Music of the English Renaissance

Average customer rating:

Absolutely The Best!
More than just an alcoholic drink
Watkins ale is very well performed
Watkins Ale
Joyful and Unique

Watkins Ale: Music of the English Renaissance

Manufacturer: Dorian Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Mad Buckgoat - Ancient Music of Ireland
La Rocque 'n' Roll - Popular Music of Renaissance France / The Baltimore Consort
The Art of the Bawdy Song
On the Banks of Helicon: Early Music of Scotland
Sinners & Saints: The Ultimate Medieval and Renaissance Music Collection

ASIN: B000001Q8Q
Release Date: 1992-05-22

Tracks:

The Buffens
Nuttmigs And Ginger
Green Garters
There Were Three Ravens
Howells Delight
Goe From My Window
Green Sleeves
La Sampogna
Unto The Prophet Jonas I Read
The Carmans Whistle
Galliard Can Shee Excuse
Lachrimae Pavin
The Quadro Pavin
Singers Jig
Grimstock
De la Tromba Pavin
Jewes Daunce
Pavane Quadro And Galliard
Joyne Hands
Watkins Ale

Amazon.com

If you think people didn't have much fun in the 16th century, you may change your mind after you hear the kind of music the ordinary folks were singing, playing, and listening to. The Baltimore Consort, internationally recognized for its outstanding programs and performances of early music, offer us an immediately appealing--and irresistible--assortment of popular tunes from 16th-century England, some of which you may recognize in their modern incarnations. "There were three ravens," "Greensleeves," and John Dowland's famous "Lachrimae Pavan" are a few of the better-known pieces. The Baltimore Consort is known not only for its fabulous musicianship but also for its arrangements, which always seem to perfectly suit the tunes; this disc comprises 20 examples of that virtuosity, and you'll want to hear them again and again. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely The Best!.......2004-12-31

I love this CD. The music is soothing, fun and romantic. My suggestion is to play this CD while you are having a lovely dinner with friends or with just one "special" friend. This music in the background during your meal will be awesome!

More than just an alcoholic drink.......2004-08-09

The Baltimore Consort are performers in the truest sense -- the energy and sheer brilliance they exude during performances is infectious and heady. Luckily for those of us who rarely or never get to see them perform, all of this comes across in their recordings. This CD makes both an excellent introduction for those uninitiated in the joy that is English Renaissance music, and an important addition to the library of anyone already familiar with such music. The emotion, grace and at times sheer bawdiness of the Baltimore Consort's performances will entertain you and make you smile with glee; "Watkins Ale" is *not* just some sort of alcohol proffered to a young maiden by a strapping young lad -- it may take some careful listening and thinking about the text to realize this! Custer LaRue's flawless vocals, here sounding like a young woman and there like a young lad, are breathtaking. Check your pulse if you don't find yourself dancing along.

Watkins ale is very well performed.......2003-12-23

Miss LaRue is excellent singing Watkins ale, a funny tale about the effects of some alcoholic drink on a young woman. I am writing this to stress that Americans are at times also able to produce excellent performances of "older music". Have an open mind!

Watkins Ale.......2003-10-03

You'll love this one. Don't pass it up.

Joyful and Unique.......2001-12-25

The first time I heard the first track of this CD at Amazon.com homepage, I had the wish of buying it. The English Renaissance songs are performed in a very happy and different way. The version to the Green Sleeves is unique and joyful. The Baltimore Consort performs Renaissance music with very sensitivity. The sound is so pure and transmits happiness and peace.

Average customer rating:

You don't need a Wayback machine
A Very Good Compilation of Elizabethan Music
Light classics with historical charm

Elizabeth's Music

Manufacturer: Dorian Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Mad Buckgoat - Ancient Music of Ireland
The Ladyes Delight
Tunes From the Attic
La Rocque 'n' Roll - Popular Music of Renaissance France / The Baltimore Consort
Panorama: Dances of the Renaissance

ASIN: B00000IGPC
Release Date: 1999-03-23

Tracks:

Jane Pickering Lute Book: The Queen's Treble
Consort Lessons: O Mistris Mine (Twelfth Night)
Consort Lessons: My Lord Oxenfords Maske
Robin Is To The Greenwood Gone
Why Ask You
Paduana - Lachrymae
The Fifth Galliard (My Lady Nevell's Book)
Shall I Come Sweet Love To Thee?
In Darkness Let Me Dwell
Packington's Pound
Never Weather-Beaten Sail
It Was A Lover And His Lass
Howells Delight
Green Garters
There Were Three Ravens
(Ballet Lute Book c.1590): Greensleeves
(Thysius Lute Book c.1600): Greensleeves
Greensleeves
See, See The Shepherd's Queen
Willy Prithee Go To Bed
Now Is The Month Of Maying
Weep You No More, Sad Fountains
Beauty, Since You So Much Desire
Fine Knacks For Ladies
Captain Digorie Piper's Galliard
My Lord Willoughby's Welcome Home
Melancholy Galliard
My Lady Hunsdon's Puffe
Fortune My Foe
Queen Elizabeth's Galliard
Mrs. Winter's Jump

Customer Reviews:

You don't need a Wayback machine.......2001-12-05

Just get a CD like this one to get a broad brush review of the popular hits of the late 1500s. While I would have liked a few more recorder pieces, almost every cut was interesting in its own way. If you want just one early music CD with English songs, this is probably the one to get.

A Very Good Compilation of Elizabethan Music.......2001-09-27

"Elizabeth's Music" is a great cd to listen to if you are an enthusiast of ballads, the lute or old fashioned jigs. This cd really puts you in the alehouses, courts and courtyards of the Elizebethan age. The music is preformed well and the voices are very authentic and beautiful. The CD loses one star because most of the songs are on other Dorian-released CDs! I got the cd and found out most of the songs were the exact same ones on my "Shakespeare's Music" CD and other Dorian CDs. Ah well. All Elizabethan enthusiasts will enjoy this eclectic collection.

Light classics with historical charm.......2000-01-07

Really enjoyed this CD. Light and pleasant, without being too pretentious. Great background music for home or office.

Bright Day Star: Music for the Yuletide Seasons

Average customer rating:

Wonderful recording
Bright and sparkling!
why to get this disc (in rhyme)
A Christmas Favorite
Excellent performances and unique music

Bright Day Star: Music for the Yuletide Seasons

Manufacturer: Dorian Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Classical Instrumental | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Classical Instrumental | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
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On the Banks of Helicon: Early Music of Scotland
The Mad Buckgoat - Ancient Music of Ireland
Watkins Ale: Music of the English Renaissance
Ancient Noels
The Ladyes Delight

ASIN: B000001QAB
Release Date: 1994-10-04

Tracks:

Ding Dong Merrily
The Old Year Now Away Is Fled
Christmas Day in da Mornin'
The Cherry Tree Carol
Wir singen dir, Immanuel
The Wren Song
A Wassail Tune
Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day
Carol 'Een Kindeken is ons geboren'
The Bellman's Carol
A Christmas Jig
Es ist ein' Ros' entsprugen
In dulci Jubilo
Rorate coeli desuper
Drive the Cold Winter Away
Remember, O Thou Man
Quem pastores laudavere
Christmas Is My Name
In dir ist Freude
Hey for Christmas!

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful recording.......2004-11-18

This might be my favorite holiday album. It's one of the first I pull out in November and doesn't get put away until February.

Bright and sparkling!.......2002-11-29

A perfect way to celebrate the Christmas spirit any time of year with some truly "old" favorites, performed with spirit and heart by the Baltimore Consort. Period selections imbued here with the consort's singular sound and creative improvisations include "Ding Dong Merrily on High", "The Old Year Now Away is Fled", "The Cherry Tree Carol", "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day", "Es ist ein Ros", "In Dulci Jubilo", and many more that may charm you for the first time. The Baltimore Consort is: Mary Anne Ballard, viols and rebec; Mark Cudek, cittern, guitar, viols and bandora; Custer LaRue, soprano soloist; Larry Lipkis, viol, recorder and gemshorn; Ronn McFarlane, lutes; and Chris Norman, wooden flutes and pennywhistle; with Webb Wiggins on organ.

why to get this disc (in rhyme).......2001-11-24

'Twas the day after Thanksgiving, and all through the house, Christmas spirit was stirring and starting to rouse feelings of joy and expectation in the hearts of the people who were there. Beautiful music and Custer LaRue's singing filled the air.

Wonderful songs, written by people long dead, caused pictures to form and stories to dance through each listening head. Stories of a virgin bearing a child, stories of the little Savior's entrance into this world...meek and mild.

Each song is sung with such haunting beauty and care. The Consort's playing could not be more wonderfully fair. Each song is a masterpiece--"The Cherry Tree Carol," "In dulci jubilo," and "Quem pastores laudavere." Each song's focus is on the true meaning of Christmas--no appearance made by St. Nick--but with singing like this, in your head they are sure to stick.

More beautifully than snowflakes this music drifts down. In sheer loveliness, "Christmas Is My Name" deserves the crown. Oh but each tune is strong--like "Ding Dong Merrily" and "The Wren Song." Most come in at under three minutes each, none is overlong. Each is stunning...how can the listener go wrong? How they twinkle...they are most merry. One even makes mention of Cherries.

(...)

I highly recommend this disc.

A Christmas Favorite.......2000-12-09

Had enough of animated snowmen and over-sweetened carol arrangements? Here's a hugely enjoyable recording of songs and dances done with flair by the Baltimore Consort. There are a few familiar tunes, such as the lilting arrangement of "Ding, Dong Merrily On High" and a beautiful solo flute version of "Lo, How a Rose 'Er Blooming." But most the songs are off the beaten track, and are therefore fresh and new despite their antiquity. Custer LaRue brings feeling and energy into the songs. This has become the most played Christmas CD in our household.

Excellent performances and unique music.......1999-12-13

This is my favorite Christmas CD, and it is very different from everything else we hear this time of year.

Music Review: