Customer Reviews

Sweet was the Song

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I have to admit I have a real weakness for Owain Phyfe. From the first time I heard him sing at the Great Lakes Medieval Faire I knew I had to own every CD that he put out. He carefully researchs and finds music of the era and then his beautiful voice and his friends musical talents go to work.
Any one who enjoys folk, classical voice or just really great singing will love this album.

I have had the benefit of seeing him perform with as well as without the New World Renaissance band, and all I can say is; he's -enchanting!!- I have all of his CDs and just cannot get enough of his beautiful voice, skillful pronunciation of ancient dialects, and inspired, emotional renditions of pieces that I never would have known existed without is engrossing song. His artistry and musicianship are impeccable, and he puts his soul into every word. You'll feel it even if you don't speak the language or know the lyrics- he'll capture your heart and imagination too! Take a listen!! :D

I almost can't find the words to described how much I love all of Owain Phyfe's music. I own nearly all of his cd's now, though I find myself "saving" some to discover later. (I still haven't read all of Jane Austen or listened to all of Puccini's operas for the same reason.) He has an amazing ability to rediscover these beautiful songs from centuries ago, and then translate them in a way that they feel entirely emotionally relevant. I read an interview with him once that described how he is not interested in presenting these songs in a way that is meticulously historically accurate. Neither is he interested in "modernizing" them. They are performed, I believe, entirely on period instruments. But he is interested in finding the emotional essence of the piece, and making that available to 21st century listeners. He succeeds beautifully.

On "Where Beauty Move and Wit Delights" is a recording of a song called "Since First I Saw Her Face." I had known that piece since recorder ensemble in 7th grade, and had never found it to be particularly moving or enchanting. It had always been just an old, period song for me. Kind of cool, since it was from the renaissance, but nothing more. Then I heard Owain Phyfe's version. Brought me to my knees. An entirely different song. I could listen to it over, and over, and over -- and I do!

His recordings are a true treasure not to be missed.

This c.d. is a collection of lovely songs in a variety of languages. Owain Phyfe's voice moves effortlessly over the lyrics, accompanied by skilled instrumental musicians. I had the opportunity to see this man live at a renaissance faire, and it was an unbelievable experience. He's one of the few performers who sounds as good live (if not better) as he does on c.d. His voice is ethereally beautiful!!! I recommend all four of his c.d.'s. When I saw him live, I got to pick the language for one of his songs...I chose Latin, and he proceeded to sing a gorgeous, haunting tune from the "Odyssey" c.d.

I have turned to this melodious CD many times to find a pleasant reprieve from the cares of the everyday world. Open the CD, note the stylized Tudor Rose which epitomizes the music of this very gifted group. You easily see that something old and familiar has been transformed into a fresh creation, yet remains faithful to its origins. The album contains several songs by popular Elizabethan composers John Dowland and Thomas Campion. Dowland has been praised for his "heavenly touch upon the lute", and these talented musicians are surely no less divine.