A should-have instrumental Mediaeval/Renaissance album
Michael Conway | Corvallis, OR USA | 11/22/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Out of the twenty or so Medieval and Renaissance albums I own and the 50 or so that I've listened to, this ranks as one of my favorite (top 2). This is a completely instrumental album 70+ minutes in length. There are over 70 instruments played by seven performers. The instruments range from strings, renaissance guitars, flutes and percussion gathered from all over the world. The arrangements are creative, rich, lavish and create a musical atmosphere which is truly enchanting. The choices of instrument combinations varies considerably, often in a single song, to make a stagnant melody progress and transform. Although the title says 41 variations of a single melody, I only recognize a few melodies reappearing in different forms throughout the 32 tracks. In sum, this is the renaissance/medieval album I had always wanted to hear, and am glad to have found. I hope you enjoy it!"
... and a stunning recording!
Mr M Stephenson | Den Haag, Holland | 10/05/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I would fully endorse the reviews made by the previous contributors and would add that this is a superb recording, too. The CD appears to be a direct copy form the original two track tape (its AAD, meaning no digital mixing) and the sound is stunning. Proof the simple, high quality analogue equipment delivered amazing results."
I finally found it!
ThorBjorn | Minnesota | 09/12/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I heard a segment of this collection on Public Radio in 2003. Everywhere that I looked, claimed this album was no longer in print. I found it right here on Amazon.com, in 2006! For those inclined to enjoy ancient music, I must say this about the album: GLORIOUSLY MEDIEVAL AND RAPTUROUSLY RENAISSANCE! In fact, if there is one track alone which justifies your purchase, it it Spaniol Kochesberger, by Hans Kotter. In fact, I would say that the majority of the music on this CD are great selections. I have been disappointed by other Medieval and Renaissance compliations, in which there are one or two interesting selections, and the rest of the CD is tiresome choral chanting. That is not the case here!"