I first fell in love with early music through recordings of David Munro. In many ways, the Anonima Frottolisti reminds me of those recordings. The ensemble performs with enthusiasm and energy. The album is a survey of music heard in 15th Century Italy. The Humanist movement grew out of a rediscovery of ancient Greek writings […]
renaissance music
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Francis Cutting Lute Music – Tudor Treasures
Little is known about the life of English lutenist Francis Cutting. He was a musician for the Howard family (Anne Boleyn’s peeps), and one his ten children, Thomas, also became a respected lutenist. What is known is Cutting’s music. He wrote “Packington’s Pound,” which has been recorded countless times by early music ensembles. He’s also […]
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Paulo Biordi Revives Lyra Viol Music by Ferrabasco
Alfonso Ferrabasco (the younger) was –despite his name — an English composer and viol virtuoso. He was active in the courts of both Elizabeth I and James I and well-known in the London music scene. His father emigrated to England in 1592 and achieved fame as a madrigalist. The lyra viol is a member of […]
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“Two Lutes with Grace” informative and entertaining
It’s a clever title. “Two Lutes with Grace” refers to Marc Lewon and Paul Kieffer (lutes), and Grace Newcombe (vocal). And it’s a valuable release. In the late 1400s, lute duos were one of the most common forms of professional ensembles. Lewen and Kieffer carefully reconstruct what music these duos may have performed, using current […]
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Spielleyt delights with early Christmas music
The early music ensemble Spielleyt serves up a fresh approach to classical music of the season. Weihnacht der Spielleyt primarily consists of selections from one publication: the Straßburger Gesangbuch of 1697. Technically, this collection came out in the middle of the Baroque period. But most of the songs are much older than that. And Spielleyt peels the […]
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Robert Ballard lute music played with elegance and taste
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 […]
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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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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 […]