Search - Orlando Gibbons, Concordia, Rachel Elliott :: Gibbons: Go from my window - Music for Viols Vol 2 /Elliott * Concordia * Levy

EASY ON THE EAR

DAVID BRYSON | Glossop Derbyshire England | 07/27/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This really is top-quality, and well done in particular the recording people who have done a beautiful job. Viols blend superbly, better than the standard string quartet instruments do, and apart from anything else the six-part numbers make a sound that is a joy to listen to, as Mark Levy the leader (or whatever the appropriate term is) of the group says in his affectionate and enthusiastic liner-note.There are 18 pieces here -- 6 2-part fantasias, 6 6-part fantasias, 3 other 6-part items and 3 songs. Go From My Window itself is not one of the songs but a set of variations on a popular ditty of that name for the 6-part combo. The songs are settings of three exquisite little poems, two of them slightly wry, by Raleigh, Donne and anon respectively, set to really affecting music (especially the anon effort The Silver Swan) and beautifully sung without intrusive artiness by Rachel Elliott. The music is quality stuff and definitely for ordinary musical enthusiasts like myself, not just for 'the arts' mob. At the first couple of hearings I had a job remembering which piece was which, but there was a time when I had the same problem with Mozart, and I think you will find as I did that familiarity comes quickly and with it a deepening appreciation and enjoyment. Cordially recommended."