Customer Reviews

Captain Humes Poeticall Musicke, Vol. 1

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Hume's preface to Poeticall Musicke says, "Principally made for two Basse-viols, yet so contrived, that it may be played 8, severall waies upon sundry Instruments with much facilitie." This recording takes Hume's underlying intention -- two bass viols as the core -- and gives a rendering of the pieces which captures their beauty and intimacy wonderfully. Other recordings, for example that of Hesperion XX with Jordi Savall, provide a greater tonal palette through more elaborate instrumentation. The interpretation on this recording, however, is equally legitimate, and beautifully executed. The two gambists play with verve, great sensitivity, and close attention to idiomatic ornamentation and performance practice. The result is a recording which anyone fond of viol music from the English tradition will treasure. And Naxos, bless their hearts, makes all this loveliness available as a bargain that can't be beat. Don't forget to buy Volume 2 at the same time!

This is another delightful budget collection from Naxos. Much of Tobias Hume's life is shrouded in mystery, given the lack of records from the time, but two things are certain: he was a soldier, and a fine viol player and composer, which this collection reflects. We begin with a song which recalls the melancholy air of Dowland, with a beautifully held vocal line by Daniel Taylor. The cheerful air which follows provides a marked contrast, and sets the tone for a mixed collection bookended by stately, melancholy pieces, with the 'filling' supplied by a larger body of lighter, sunnier pieces, all titled as 'delights' of one sort or another. Those featuring viols inevitably have an earthier weight than those led by lute, violin or recorder, but all are a rich fund of musical invention, exploration and delight. Les Voix Humaines, and all the individual soloists on this disc, give committed, enthusiastic, performances of real quality, to ensure each individual piece 'sings'. Good production, helpful notes including the words to both songs, all add up to a strong recommendation to anyone who enjoys 'Early Music', or who enjoys the sound of cello, and wishes to explore further. Listen to the samples of this largely forgotten composer, and see if you can resist!

Hume was a for-profit man of arms during his day who moonlighted as a viol composer, and a fine musician he was. These solid performances show Hume at his wittiest. Rival composer and lute maestro John Dowland was threatened enough by these compositions to write treatises against Hume. Give it a try.

-Il Condottiero

Encore un beau disque abordable de chez naxos.

Les interprètes sont bien connus et de qualité.

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