O Lusty May: Renaissance Songs of Spring

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Those Renaissance Europeans really knew how to celebrate spring, a fact colorfully evident in popular music of the period from countries such as England, Scotland, and France. This varied and technically polished recording of vocal and instrumental songs and dances features selections from all of the above regions--and thankfully mixes many unfamiliar tunes among a few favorites such as Morley's "Now is the month of maying" and the title song. The seven-member Toronto Consort demonstrates the precise phrasing and well-developed sense of blend and balance that mark a mature ensemble of intelligent singers. It also offers impressive harpsichord, lute, and recorder performances. Highlights include the charming "La rousee du joly mois de may" for vocal ensemble and lute and "La terre n'agueres glacee," an unusually melancholic take on spring, through the eyes--and heart--of a lonely lover. The recording places the voices very close to the listener, and not everyone will appreciate the animal noises and "authentic" accents used in "Willy prithee go to bed," but most listeners will find this an entertaining and spirited celebration. --David Vernier

Tracks:

Now Is The Month Of Maying
Joan To The Maypople
Bellamira & Emperor Of The Moon
Now The Lusty Spring Is Seen
Willy Prithee Go To Bed
Greenwood & Hunt The Squirrel
Come Away, Come Sweel Love
Engels Nachtegaeltje
Beauty Sat Bathing
All in A Garden Green
This Merry Pleasant Spring
Woodycock
Allons Au Vert Boccage
Basse-Dance 'Jouissance'
La Terre N'agures Glacee
La Rousee Du Joly Mois De May
Frias Et Gaillard
Quand Ce Beau Printemps Je Voy
A Jigge/Squirrel's Lament/The Suquirrel's Toy
Ma Belle Si Ton Ame
O Lusty May
See, See The Shepherds' Queen

Amazon.com

Those Renaissance Europeans really knew how to celebrate spring, a fact colorfully evident in popular music of the period from countries such as England, Scotland, and France. This varied and technically polished recording of vocal and instrumental songs and dances features selections from all of the above regions--and thankfully mixes many unfamiliar tunes among a few favorites such as Morley's "Now is the month of maying" and the title song. The seven-member Toronto Consort demonstrates the precise phrasing and well-developed sense of blend and balance that mark a mature ensemble of intelligent singers. It also offers impressive harpsichord, lute, and recorder performances. Highlights include the charming "La rousee du joly mois de may" for vocal ensemble and lute and "La terre n'agueres glacee," an unusually melancholic take on spring, through the eyes--and heart--of a lonely lover. The recording places the voices very close to the listener, and not everyone will appreciate the animal noises and "authentic" accents used in "Willy prithee go to bed," but most listeners will find this an entertaining and spirited celebration. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Neither frisky nor lusty.......2006-02-16

The instrumental tracks on this CD are lovely, but the vocals leave a lot to be desired in terms of style. They have taken very much of a choral approach- too formal a sound, in my opinion (stiff, formal, acoustics very much like in a church). If you enjoy renaissance vocals as recorded by Custer LaRue of the Baltimore consort, then this is not your style.

Sweet and sparkling!.......2002-11-25

Frisky songs of love and springtime in the form of madrigals, ballads and jaunty dances. I can't help but smile when listening to the rich, cheerful, heartfelt music of the Toronto Consort. On this recording in particular, the recorder virtuosity of Allison Melville stands out as she imitates birds in several numbers with well-placed chirps and flutter-tonguing. Tenor Paul Jenkins also gets a chance to shine as an improvisational harpsichord soloist. This spirited ensemble continues their seasonal approach to recording with their subsequent release, "The Little Barley-Corne: Winter Revels from the Renaissance". For other fun madrigals from the Renaissance, you might also enjoy the King's Singers in "All At Once Well Met: English Madrigals", and "The King's Singers' Madrigal History Tour: Italy, England, France, Spain, Germany" (with the Consort of Musicke).

Music for May!.......2002-03-14

I know, I know...May is still away off. But March is doing its best to destroy things around here right now, so I'm still looking forward to May...And this is the perfect music for its coming. The Toronto Consort are excellent musicians: another trophy in Dorian's stable of remarkable talent. If you've never heard this music--get it. You will not be sorry.

O Lusty May/ Toronto Consort.......2000-06-11

This music selection is extremly fun and light hearted. It has not left my stereo for 4 months. The vocals are amazing, especially the first soprano solos. I am using this CD during my wedding reception this summer which has a Renaissance theme. Two thumbs up!

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