Two Words, One Answer.
Sarah Pavan
 Elizabethan Christmas Anthems $19.98 I just listened to this compilation for the first time, expecting to hear another re-hashing of these beloved tunes done by a fine ensemble (and completely devoid of character!). However, this is not the typical domesticated Men and Boys rendetion you might be accustomed to. Red Byrd utilizes not only pronunciation appropriate to the period, but sings these pieces in a manner more like shaped note American tunes. It is, at first, a bit off-putting. However if one bears with it the pieces spring to life in a new way. In no piece is this more striking than "This is the Record of John". The rendetion heard here of the solo line becomes less pious and righteous, and a bit more tongue in cheek with John's repeated "no" answer to the questions asked of him by the Temple elders. A must! I know of no other disk quite like this.  John Dowland: Lachrim, Or Seven Teares $20.98 Where do I start? In all my life I can't recall hearing a recording more magnificent than this. Jakob Lindberg, who succeeded Diana Poulton as Professor of Lute at the Royal College of Music in 1979, formed the Dowland Consort from England's foremost Early Music specialists, specifically to play this kind of music. My first thought on hearing this album was that everyone else might as well give up; but let us not be immoderate. The recording (completely digital) is crystal clear, perfectly balanced and focussed, with a perfect stereo image, so that every nuance of the counterpoint is captured. All the players are spot on pitch to the nearest cycle, displaying an interpretive eloquence and togetherness that must be heard to be believed. Despite the title, there are many moods here, from gentle melancholy to the joyous bounce of the Galliards. Although the opening Lachrim pavans have, properly, been left as a group, the remaining compositions have been intelligently reordered, so that those of the same type do not all occur together. If you have the smallest affection for Dowland, do not fail to buy this recording (well over an hour long)! And if you don't have a CD player, go and get one of those, too.  Treasures From My Minde - Songs And Instrument Pieces By John Dowland / Virelai $18.98 The performances are generally not very inspiring. Catherine King is usually smooth on the ear, but here, her exaggerated use of period English accent is annoying and distracting. The recorded sound is also overly bright for my taste. In all, there are perhaps three tracks on this disc I would enjoy hearing again. The rest are well below expectations. |
|
