Notes and Editorial Reviews
Ultimately this is a disc for conoisseurs--of countertenor singing and of the particular style of 17th-century English song--but anyone who enjoys good singing and congenial melody, uncomplicated by inflated or unduly busy accompaniment, will easily appreciate this generously programmed recital (73 minutes) featuring Robin Blaze, joined by some of today's most accomplished period singers and instrumentalists. Among the 18 or so songs are several pieces for lute (or lutes), and we also hear two songs sung by multiple voices and one each by soprano Rebecca Outram and bass Robert MacDonald. Two of the disc's highlights come in the middle of the program--songs by Henry Lawes that show both Blaze's flair for drama ("In quel gelato core una
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voce") and more lyrical side ("Love's sweet repose: Amid the myrtles as I walk"), as well as the composer's songwriting facility.
Blaze sings with his customary lustrous, silvery tone and interpretive intelligence; the other singers offer pleasing variety if not quite the same level of artistic acuity. The instrumental playing is uniformly excellent, and the accompaniments to the singers are tasteful and well-balanced. You can find songs by William and Henry Lawes on various compilations--and there are several collections devoted to instrumental music; but this is currently the only collection dedicated so extensively to the song repertoire of these two illustrious and always entertaining composers. Besides the ideal sound, special mention must be given to Elizabeth Kenny's detailed and very informative (and readable!) liner notes. In all, a highly recommendable package.
--David Vernier, ClassicsToday.com
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Works on This Recording
1.
Gather ye rosebuds while ye may by William Lawes
Performer:
Robert MacDonald (Bass),
Rebecca Outram ()
Period: Baroque
Written: 17th Century; England
2.
Ayres and Dialogues: At dead low ebb of night by Henry Lawes
Written: 1655
3.
Oh, that joy so soon should waste by Henry Lawes
Performer:
Elizabeth Kenny ()
4.
Sweet stay awhile by Henry Lawes
Performer:
Elizabeth Kenny ()
Period: Baroque
Written: 17th Century; England
5.
Monsieur Saman his Coranto by René Saman
Performer:
Elizabeth Kenny (Lute)
6.
Amarillis, by a spring by Henry Lawes
Performer:
Elizabeth Kenny ()
7.
Oh, let me still and silent lie by William Lawes
Performer:
Elizabeth Kenny ()
8.
O my Clarissa, thou cruel faire by William Lawes
Performer:
William Carter (Guitar),
Frances Kelly (Harp),
Elizabeth Kenny ()
Period: Baroque
Written: 17th Century; England
9.
From the heav'ns now I fly by Henry Lawes
Performer:
Elizabeth Kenny ()
10.
Corant for Lyra Viol, VdGS 431 by William Lawes
Period: Baroque
Written: 17th Century; England
11.
Sweet Echo, sweetest nymph that liv'st unseen by Henry Lawes
Performer:
Elizabeth Kenny (Theorbo),
Rebecca Outram (Soprano)
12.
Countrey Coll for Lyra Viol by William Lawes
Period: Baroque
Written: 17th Century; England
13.
Oh sweet woods, the delight of solitariness by Henry Lawes
Performer:
Elizabeth Kenny ()
14.
In quel gelato core by Henry Lawes
Performer:
Elizabeth Kenny ()
Period: Baroque
Written: 17th Century; England
15.
Love's Sweet Repose by Henry Lawes
Performer:
William Carter (Lute),
Frances Kelly (Harp),
Elizabeth Kenny ()
16.
No reprieve "Now, now Lucasia" by Henry Lawes
Performer:
Elizabeth Kenny ()
17.
(3) Fantasias by Cuthbert Hely
Performer:
Elizabeth Kenny (Lute)
18.
Slide soft you silver floods by Henry Lawes
Performer:
Elizabeth Kenny ()
Period: Baroque
Written: 17th Century; England
19.
Saraband by Cuthbert Hely
Performer:
Elizabeth Kenny (Lute)
20.
When shall I see my captive heart? by Henry Lawes
Performer:
Elizabeth Kenny ()
21.
Alman for Lyra Viol, VDGS 430 by William Lawes
Period: Baroque
Written: 17th Century; England
22.
Corant by William Lawes
Performer:
Elizabeth Kenny (Lute),
William Carter (Lute)
23.
A Dreame "I laid me down upon a pillow" by William Lawes
Performer:
Elizabeth Kenny (Theorbo),
Robert MacDonald (Bass)
24.
Man's life is but vain by Henry Lawes
Performer:
Elizabeth Kenny ()
Period: Baroque
Written: 17th Century; England
25.
When man ffor sinne thy judgment feeles by William Lawes
Performer:
Elizabeth Kenny ()
Period: Baroque
Written: 17th Century; England
26.
A Pastoral Elegie "Cease you jolly shepherds" by Henry Lawes
Performer:
William Carter (Lute),
Frances Kelly (Harp),
Elizabeth Kenny (Theorbo),
Robert MacDonald (Bass),
Rebecca Outram ()
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