The Three Ladies of Ferarra
John Bradley | NY, NY United States | 10/30/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The recording of "The Secret music of Luzzasco Luzzaschi" brings a rarely heard body of work to light. In the late 16th Century The Ducal court of Ferrara held the soprano voice in such regard, that the much accalimed Singing Ladies, or "concerto delle donna" were only permitted to perform for the most honored guests and the genre was given the name "Musica Secreta". It is from this that this ensemble gets their name. The "donna " in this case are Tessa Bonner and Debra Roberts, from the Tallis Scholars, joined by Suzie LeBlanc and Mary Nichols.They are accompnied by Paula Chateauneuf and John Toll on lute and keyboard. Te result is a clear, elegant jouney deep into the secret chambers of the Court of Fererra. The "Madrigali a uno due e tre soprani" of 1601 is the only srviving collection of this once vast body of work. Luzzaschi weaves elgant and soaring harmonies ranging from poignant to ecstatic, ably executed by the ladies on this recording. The interplay of the interweaving parts create marvelous opertunities for accomplished singers such as these to really shine.It is quite a treat for the ears."