Odyssey

Bernart de Ventadorn (Composer), Juan del Encina (Composer), Irish Traditional (Composer), Anonymous (Composer), Fillippo Azzaiolo (Composer), New World Renaissance Band (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: New World Renaissance Band
• Composer: Bernart de Ventadorn, Juan del Encina, Irish Traditional, Anonymous, Fillippo Azzaiolo
• Audio CD (September 1, 1996)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Nightwatch
• ASIN: B000001XK1
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #195,917 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One the most beautiful recordings of Renaissance songs ever., November 20, 1999

By 

PJ. Garner (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Odyssey (Audio CD)

Owain Phyfe and his friends reach new heights of artistry with this magnificently arranged and produced album of songs from the Renaissance era. With the abililty to sing in at least five languages, and a clear, subtle yet expressive style, balladeer premier Owain Phyfe goes far beyond simply doing justice to even those songs with which some of us are already familiar, such as one of his personal favorites, "Greensleeves." This is, indeed, music of the age of chivalry at its most authentic and finest. One listen and I was hooked. A definite keeper that makes a fine gift for lovers of classical music.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, March 2, 2002

By 

David Schaich "David Schaich" (Boulder, Colorado) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Odyssey (Audio CD)

It sometimes seems that the world of classical music began with Bach - that there was nothing before and nothing so good afterwards. This album exposes us to the centuries before the Baroque period and reminds us that there exists great music in all the cultures of the world - even those commonly overlooked.

The work of Owain Phyfe and the New World Renaissance Band focuses on the music of the Late Medieval and Renaissance periods of Europe. _Odyssey_, I feel, is the most consistently excellent of their tapes and cds, most of which are relatively hard to find.

The songs range from traditional melodies to sephardic ballads and everything in between. I imagine that many of those reading this review are familiar with _Greensleeves_, an excellent performance of which appears on this album. Those who are interested in looking for similar cds should go to nightwatchrecording.com, which carries several cds not in this distributor's catalogue.

This album is highly recommended for all those who enjoy classical music.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars beautiful Renaissance music, December 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Odyssey (Audio CD)

This is a wonderful CD. Having been in many choirs, I not only appreciate the sound but the quality and skill of the singer and the musicians. The lead singer has a beautiful, clean voice and the songs are entertaining and vibrant, even though I may have no clue what they are saying. I also liked the inclusion of translations for the foreign songs.

My favorites are Tourdion, because I actually know French and can sing along, and She Moved Through the Fair, which I think sounds much better than Loreena McKennitt's version.