Search - Fillippo Azzaiolo, Italian Anonymous, Claudio Monteverdi :: 16th Century Italian & French Dance Music

Soundtrack for the Decameron

B. Marold | Bethlehem, PA United States | 01/15/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"'16th Century Italian & French Dance Music' by the Musica Reservata, directed by Michael Morrow may not be the finest 16th century music you will ever hear, but it has much to offer. The ribald scene on the cover gives you a good sense of the atmosphere you get from this music, especially those pieces which include vocals.



The CD is a combination of material from two earlier vinly LPs, and the material seems to fit together seamlessly. None of the works are by any composers whose names I recognize, so the work may have less than full value as material for studying the period. Given the chance, I would snap up any copy available for a reasonable price and wait a bit if I found nothing below $10.



An excellent recording of a minor musical genre."

A+ Melodic and Rythmic music from the Vault

B. Marold | 12/10/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have played this CD hundreds of times and each time is a pleasure. Although some of the singing requires some getting used to, the Gagliarda and Pavanes (like #15 LA Bataille) are wonderfully rythmic and compelling. Although many Gagliarda are short like # 11 Giorgio (1:01), other beautiful pieces like #4 La traditora are longer (4:57) and have more than one setting. Musica Reservata should be praised for their excellent performances and robust playing. If you close your eyes and relax on a favorite reclining chair or sofa with this CD playing, a crackling fire in the fireplace, and your favorite beverage in a tall mug or glass, you'd swear that you had been transported back to a palace ballroom in France or Italy. A CD well worth the price and a good CD to introduce the period to newcomers."