Robert Ballard II was a lute virtuoso who also happened to have a pretty good gig. He was a music tutor to a young Louis XIII. His father and cousin ran a prestigious music publishing house in Paris. And they, of course, published young Robert’s two collections of lute works. Lutenist Richard Kolb performs 30 […]
early music
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Telemann Moral Cantatas uplift — at least musically
This release combines selections from two self-published works by Georg Philipp Telemann. VI moralische Cantaten and 12 Fantaisies pour la basse de violle sold by subscription in 1735. Alternating between the two collections makes an appealing program. The Six Moral Cantatas are just that — music with a message. And whether the subject is luck, parsimony, time, or hope, the message […]
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“A Bohemian in London” Showcases Baroque Rarities
The album title, “A Bohemian in London” refers to Moravian composer Gottfried Finger. Finger was a virtuoso viol player and played in James II’s court orchestra. Later he attempted a career as a freelance composer, eventually giving up and leaving for Germany in 1701. This collection of violin sonatas is a sampling of the over […]
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Polish Lute Music offers rare Renaissance treats
Lute-playing was all the rage in the 1600s. The Italian, French, and English schools are well-represented with recordings. But other European courts were active musical centers. This release features lute music from Poland. It’s an interesting blend of both cosmopolitan styles and native folk traditions. Joachim Held performs with precision and delicacy. His interpretations are […]
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Per-Sonat gives Kaiser Maximilian I court music regal treatment
Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor (1508-1519) is known for many things. He established the Hapsburg Dynasty in Spain, wrested the Empire from Papal control — and was a great patron of the arts. This release samples some of the music heard in Maximilian’s court. Most of the works are chansons and lieder, leavened by some […]
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Fred Jacobs bring Kapsperger theorbo music to light
To some, this might seem like a hyper-specialized release. It’s a collection of early 17th Century music by Giovanni Kasprerger (who?) virtuoso of the theorbo (what?). And it’s not just theorbo music, but music specifically written for the Papal Court. But the end result — the music and the performance — should appeal to all. […]
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Baltimore Consort – Food of Love Satisfies
I’ve been a fan of the Baltimore Consort since their first release in 1990. They consistently deliver excellent performances that balance historical accuracy with honest emotion. The Food of Love is a collection of music most likely heard in the original productions of Shakespeare’s plays. It’s a mix of music referred to by the play […]
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Michel-Richard de Lalande Grands Motets Evoke Grandeur
Michel-Richard de Lalande was a contemporary of Jean-Baptiste Lully and François Couperin. Like them, he served at the court of Louis XIV. Lalande’s strength was composing grand motets; elegant, extravagant, grand music suited for the Royal Chapel at Versailles. This release presents three examples. All three require a large orchestra (for the Baroque period, that […]
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Graupner Passion Cantatas II Maintain High Standard
In 1741 Christoph Graupner produced ten Passion Cantatas — one for each Sunday of Lent. Volume 1 featured three of those cantatas; Volume 2 has three more, each uniquely shaped by the text Graupner sets. Das Leiden Jesu von seinen Freunden, GWV 1122/41 (Friend, why are you here) was for the Third Sunday of Lent. […]