Search - Alonso de Mudarra, Montserrat Figueras :: Alonso Mudarra: Libro Tercero de Musica en Cifras y Canto, 1546

Moving in time

libal tomer | Jerusalem Israel | 12/30/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In contrast with Hopkinson Smith's solo discs: partitas by weiss and pieces by vieux gaultier, I wasn't captured by this music on the spot, It took me to attand some vocal concerts to really appreciate this beautifull recording, you are not overcome by smith's extraordinary skill here, but sinking slowly to the renesaince era accompanied by beautifull lute and figueras beautifull voice."

Hoppy and Montserrat

Person | hmm | 10/20/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First the vihuelist: Hopkinson Smith is a genuine poet with a vihuela, his stlye is now gentle, now strong, now driving, now whimsical; he tells a story with each phrase. His approach to the vihuela repertoire has always been more free and improvisitory than many of his fellow vihuelistas, who seem to me to read too much into the high and sophisticated nature of the voca polyphony-connection - and wholly neglect the evidence in favour of a free and improvisitory music in this era. Not so Hoppy - his playing rings breaths and is alive, it feels spontaneous, organic. The recording perfectly captures his sound and no digital tampering has been used - it is well and truly a soft and subtle accompaniment to Figurras.



On to the singer. Montserrat Figueras has a voice that a natural and un-strained sound with light and gentle virtuosity. Her glossas and ornaments feel free, easy and spontaneous and her expression is as times profound. This recording finds her in her element singing a repertoire seemingly made for her voice and style.



Although at times one could wish for a stronger tone from Hoppy - perhaps a bit more plucking near the bridge for a nice harsh and dry sound now and then - one will rarely find a lute player of such quality playing with a singer of equal skill and imagination. A fantastic recording worthy of your money."