Customer Reviews

English Country Dances: 17th C. Music from the Publications of John Playford

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

 

 

These selections of English Country Dances from the publications of the English music publisher John Playford are recorded and played so well as to relegate any criticism to spoiled grapes. Perhaps a musicologist might carp on some fine points, but then again probably not - musicologists actually enjoy a good tune, too. There is a nice couple pages of notes by Jack Ashworth on the historical background of the music, and a further short page by David Douglass on how he envisioned the 'nature' of several of the pieces. There is also a French translation following the English notes. Seven instruments are mixed higgledy-piggledy as the performers deem best - a copy of a 1652 Amati Violin, and copies of a Theorbo, a Cittern, a 16-string harp, an Italian Double Harp, an Irish Harp, and a Guitar. For the curious Douglass plays the violin only, but offers playing consanguineous with his name.
Among the choices cut 15 - "Long Cold Nights" - seems almost New Age in its evocation of the heavens: one might be in Big Sur looking up at the stars. The many other pieces come in divers moods and tempi, with great care given to which instruments are employed. It's difficult to imagine anyone disliking such engaging tunes, such joy in their making. The recording is of course digital so it helps to have a system capable of taming the inevitable string stridencies, but that said - if you like music from this period, or are curious, this CD offers a wonderful selection.

There's a tendency to think that the more you pay, the more you get. Not here. This is a stunning collection of 21 early music tracks that I've been playing over and over again...

This is a great cd! Very lively at times; very mellow at other times - but all tracks are wonderful interpretations of traditional songs by highly talented musicians....and who can argue with the price? BUY THIS CD if you are at all into this type of music!

I can say that this was a surprise, and it's my fault for not checking the contents track by track. This is a re-issue of Apollo's banquet, and also a re-issue of the same from yet another name! I've had Apollo'w banquet for a long time. Somehow, I thought this CD would be mixed consort English music. Not so, it's mostly violin + cittern/ continuo.

Under the name "apollo's banquet" it's been a favorite of mine for years- very good division violin work, very nice improv too. This is top notch.

Nevertheless, beware! $6 for this disk is a real bargain- but it's still too pricey if you've already got it on your shelf! It seems this series is a fabulous value- I have the Italian renaissance dan ces vol 2 too, and it is also superb performace practice.

This series is a great way to buy excellent performances on the cheap- just watch out in case you already have it!

Personally, I found the music a bit slow and subdued. Not what one typically thinks of country dance music being like. However, the reason I rate it so low is because of the deception on the part of the producer/manufacturer/packager/whatever of this cd. This CD is actually the same - track for track, down to the timings - as "English Country Dances from Playford's Dancing Master". But this CD is deceptively attributed to the individual members of the band instead of naming the group, The Broadside Band. It is cheaper than the original cd, though. The short and sweet - if you have the Broadside Band cd, you don't want this one.

I enjoy historical music, and this cd was a good assortment of songs. I was expecting all bouncy country dances, but some tracks sound more complex and serious. I'm no expert on country dances, so I don't know if the selections are representative, but I enjoy the entire album. Perfect for an afternoon of relaxing with some good music and it won't put you to sleep.

This cd, English Country dances, is a charming one. If you like to dance, there are many songs that you can make up steps for or take dances from movies, like Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion or Northanger Abbey. The last track, 'The Queen's Jigg' is actually in the 2007 production of Northanger abbey with Felicity Jones. Catherine Morland and Henry Tilney dance to that song. Whether you are a Jane Austen fan or just love classical music, you will love this cd!

Just about perfect for background during "A Christmas Carol." The only thing better would have been live musicians.

Not quite what I had in mind......I was expecting a cd with folk type of songs...Jane Austen era.