Great Recording for Those Who Love Early English Music
Aaron Archer | 12/30/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you love the music of early England (perhaps you own a copy of the Fitzwilliam Virginal Book), you will certainly love this recording. And even if you are not a connoisseur of this type of music, but are a fan of classical music in general, you are sure to find this music historically accurate and catchy. One of my favorites on the disc is "O Mistress Mine", a piece that I have also enjoyed playing on the keyboard."
Wonderful, light-hearted music by the Baltimore Consort!
Brianna Neal | USA | 11/29/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In the words of the insert booklet, "the `exquisite consort' of instrumentalists which entertained Queen Elizabeth upon her visit to the Earl of Hertford in September 1591 was, in respect to the specific instruments employed, the exact equivalent of the Baltimore Consort. Combining the sultry viols, the ethereal flute, the `sprightly and cheerful' cittern, the `deep' bandora and the `noble' lute, the ensemble is capable of many moods, from the joyful to the melancholy." Quite true. The emphasis on this recording, which is subtitled "Entertainment Music of Elizabethan England", is the joyful, as each musician in this talented sextet gets his or her turn to embellish both grandly and subtly on their parts. Unlike many of the Baltimore Consort's other releases, this one focuses on part music specifically written for an ensemble such as theirs to play, like that found in Thomas Morley's "First Book of Consort Lessons", published in 1599, and Matthew Holmes' 16th century manuscript of broken consort music. The Baltimore Consort's gentle yet lively sound will ease your tensions when you're stressed, and perk you up when you're tired. This CD is sure to delight "ladyes" and gentlemen alike."
Elizabethan Pop
umze | Seattle, WA | 06/10/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a delightful cd, with masterful performances of popular Elizabethan tunes. The vocals are excellent. The selection is varied, containing lively instrumentals, baudy songs, and ballads. The lyrics are a reminder that themes like single motherhood and unrestrained lust are timeless, and are shockingly frank at times.This is not a typical cd of chamber music by the greats - these are catchy dance tunes from long ago. Thoroughly enjoyable."