Notes and Editorial Reviews
As explained in Elizabeth Kenny and Mark Levy's informative liner notes, beauty and "expressive power" of the voice are the essential ingredients in performing these intimate, emotionally rich songs, which William Byrd intended for solo singer and viol accompaniment. No one had a greater gift than Byrd for writing captivating melodies that flow with a remarkable, cadence-less freedom, naturally, inevitably, every turn and leap seeming just right. The viol accompaniments exhibit Byrd's finest contrapuntal style, and the harmonies are always plush and vibrant. Keeping with continental practice, a lute is sometimes added to the instrumental mix.
Although some of these songs
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have been performed on other recordings, most notably by Michael Chance (Virgin) and Daniel Taylor (Atma), this is the most comprehensive single-disc offering of Byrd's work in this genre, a decidedly melancholic, tragic domain where sensuality trumps any notion of art for art's sake. And after all, has anyone more effectively or poignantly captured in music the pain and grief of loss of a loved one than Byrd in his "elegy for Thomas Tallis", Ye sacred Muses? Here, countertenor Robin Blaze, who continues to mature as a vocalist and musician, shows why he is one of today's top singers, bringing full measure of ardent vocalism to bear in every note of this deeply moving, heartfelt utterance. Ultimately, Blaze and his colleagues deliver interpretations that go to the heart and soul of each and every song, treating each as a unique, personal revelation. The sound is ideal. Make this a priority. [6/8/2004]
--David Vernier, ClassicsToday.com
Reviewing original release, Hyperion 67397 Read less
Works on This Recording
1.
Rejoice unto the Lord by William Byrd
Performer:
Robin Blaze (Countertenor)
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Concordia
Period: Renaissance
Written: 1586; London, England
Language: English
2.
Ah silly soul by William Byrd
Performer:
Robin Blaze (Countertenor)
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Concordia
Period: Renaissance
Written: England
Language: English
3.
An aged dame by William Byrd
Performer:
Robin Blaze (Countertenor)
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Concordia
Period: Renaissance
Written: England
Language: English
4.
Songs of Sundrie Natures: O dear life by William Byrd
Performer:
Robin Blaze (Countertenor)
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Concordia
Period: Renaissance
Written: by 1589; England
Language: English
5.
Psalmes, Sonets and Songs: Come to me, grief, forever by William Byrd
Performer:
Robin Blaze (Countertenor)
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Concordia
Period: Renaissance
Written: by 1588; England
Language: English
6.
Who likes to love by William Byrd
Performer:
Robin Blaze (Countertenor)
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Concordia
Period: Renaissance
Written: by 1588; England
Language: English
7.
O that most rare breast by William Byrd
Performer:
Robin Blaze (Countertenor)
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Concordia
Period: Renaissance
Written: by 1588; England
Language: English
8.
All as a sea by William Byrd
Performer:
Robin Blaze (Countertenor)
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Concordia
Period: Renaissance
Written: England
Language: English
9.
Ye sacred muses "Elegy for Thomas Tallis" by William Byrd
Performer:
Robin Blaze (Countertenor)
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Concordia
Period: Renaissance
Written: by 1585; England
Language: English
10.
Constant Penelope by William Byrd
Performer:
Robin Blaze (Countertenor)
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Concordia
Period: Renaissance
Written: England
Language: English
11.
Psalmes, Songs and Sonnets...fit for Voyces or Viols: O God that guides the cheerful sun by William Byrd
Performer:
Robin Blaze (Countertenor)
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Concordia
Period: Renaissance
Written: by 1611; England
Language: English
12.
Psalmes, Sonets and Songs: Lullaby, my sweet little baby by William Byrd
Performer:
Robin Blaze (Countertenor)
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Concordia
Period: Renaissance
Written: by 1588; England
Language: English
13.
How vain she toils by William Byrd
Performer:
Robin Blaze (Countertenor)
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Concordia
Period: Renaissance
Written: England
Language: English
Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review: 
( 1 Customer Review )
Rejoice rejoice, what a voice! January 11, 2014
By S Cohenroellvaneyck (SOUTH WENTWORTHVILLE, NSW) See All My Reviews
"On the embroidery of the tickling of the Lute appears like a ray of light the countertenor's voice. Warmer than a female alto voice, strong and steady flowing, a pleasure to listen to. The music contains love songs and feelings of longing. Play 2 or 3 tracks at a time and rejoice every occasion playing the next"
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