Customer Reviews

Elizabethan Consort Music

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

Not that many years ago, my favourite classical DJ expressed the view that "original instruments" ensembles were a "passing fad". He was strong in his belief that early instruments, even those manufactured today on early models, couldn't provide the depth and range of music his critical ear required. The emergence of La Petite Band began the process of bending his rigid outlook. When Jordi Savall came into prominence, and in particular Savall's Hesperion XX, this commentator had become a staunch advocate. I followed right along with him.

This CD exemplifies the superb quality of music and sound production Savall and his team. It would be interesting to know just how deeply Savall gets into the production of his CDs, for they are uniformly excellent. This one takes us from Savall's Catalan to the courts of Elizabethan England. In presenting that time and place, Savall adds a special knowledge of how the music of that era was produced. You almost automatically feel yourself transported to an English manor house or palace to join the other courtiers in listening to these delightful renditions. It's important to remember that this was the primary domestic entertainment of the day. We forget how sensitive the hearing of the listeners of that day must have been to nuances we often miss in the sound competitive world we live in. They could, and did, focus on the sound and only the best was accepted. Or, indeed, even offered by composers.

Savall, as usual, has drawn it all together with finesse and ability. Watching him conduct is to see each note from every instrument drawn forth and assessed. It's almost as if the sound will not be released to the listener unless perfectly produced. But under his direction, that is exactly what is accomplished. Of all the CDs of Elizabethan instrumentals, this must be your first choice.

Hesperion XX performs this genre of music as well as anyone today, and this recording shows their reputation is deserved. This music is played with consummate professionalism on period instruments. However, this might not be the best recording for a first exposure to this repetoire. It lacks a brightness that modern instruments have and that contemporary audiences frequently expect. It contains music by composers that you almost have to be a musicologist or a musician active in 16th century music to know. But if you want to hear a splendid and- I think- authentic recording of Elizabethan Consort music, then look no further.

This is a complex sort of music played on period instruments giving the late twentieth Century listener a challenge. Once you get over the novelty of the tones you find an underlying treat of rhythm and melody.

This is well worth buying.

This a wonderful cd and a must have if you enjoy this genre of classical music. A wonderful recording and very soothing to listen too. I find the opening track quite catchy. Get it!

This is the kind of music that we should be sitting around listening to. There's nothing like the simple beauty of this Renaissance music, and Jordi Savall and his consort always make recordings with an amazing, lush sound. The period instruments are extraordinarily evocative to our ears. The selection of pieces is outstanding and you will not find a better ensemble or recording of this kind.

Whoever you are, and whatever kind of music you usually listen to, I think this is the next CD you should hear!

Incredible! Highly recommend listening while reading one of Alison Weir's books on Queen Elizabeth, Henry VIII, etc., sitting by a roaring fire. You'll feel like you're at court!

Every historical time period has its own artistic style, including music. Following classical music (what wil be kept and played over and over again in future time periods) through its development in style but also how musical instruments evolve.