Customer Reviews

El arte de fantasía

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In 1557 Luis Venegas de Henestrosa composed a "book" of music using themes from other composers (Spanish and Flemish) for the Court of Charles V, the most powerful ruler in Europe. (He was not only King of Spain and Flanders but also the Holy Roman Emperor, with dominion over much of Central Europe.) The Harp Consort, lead by Andrew Lawrence-King has captured this music in a lavish performance on period instruments of Spain. The result is 70 minutes of sheer pleasure. My favorite is the 10 minute long "Diferencias sobre Conde Claros" -- a set of variations based on a famous Spanish medieval poem of love (discussed in Don Quixote) which had been set to music by Valderrabano.

Every so often, a CD comes along that is a work of fine art. This is one. Not only is the music excellent, but the packaging is lovely and reflects the high level of the entire "package."

Andrew Lawrence-King is one of those phenomenal musicians who plays many instruments and created and leads the group "Harp Consort." He plays organ, continuo, psaltery, irish harp and double harp. He is obviously accomplished, and an excellent musician and this group does work that is extensively researched. But this is not a recording of dusty musical bones, Harp Consort does what historically accurate music should do - brings it alive with exellence and musicality. The words "historically accurate" are currently linked perjoritively with "achedemic" meaning artless and unengaging. Harp Consort proves the wrong-headedness of this current mindset that thinks everything has to be updated to be relevant.

Of particular interest within this recording is Henestrosa's specific markings and style of improvization, which King studied and brings back to life within this recording. This was the "jazz" of it's age, and is both evocative and engaging.

A truly beautiful album you can put on and listen to any time. Perfect for inspiring background music as you paint or write or engage in a creative activity. The sound is simply flawless and the selections are seemlessly put together. I love this album!