Held shows that the popular music of the 16th century had a certain x-factor.
Held has, however, cleverly chosen to include only works represented in the important lute manuscripts of the 16th-century collector Matthew Holmes at the Cambridge University Library. Thus, this recording reflects Holmes's taste for both popular music of his day as well as works by lesser-known composers (even if variations on popular tunes), all dating from a 30-year period around the turn of the century, many of which (Allison, Lusher, Johnson, Robinson and Rosseter) have never before been recorded. Among the nicest surprises were John Johnson's refreshing "Delights" and Rosseter's lilting First Galliard for the Countess ofRead more Sussex.
Held plays on an eight-course Renaissance lute made by Klaus Jacobsen (London), which produces a clear, sweet treble tone and darker, usefully contrasting middle and lower registers. There are accordingly some delightful echo effects in Dowland's Forlorn Hope Fancy and Cutting's Packington's Pound, and many examples of beautifully voiced textures. Held's interpretations are steady but subtly phrased, sparingly ornamented and never indulge in extremes of tempo or rubato. With this recording Held offers us fresh insights into the soundscape of private music-making in the late Elizabethan era.
-- Julie Anne Sadie, Gramophone [Awards Issue, 2010] Read less
A fancyby Philip Rosseter Performer:
Joachim Held (Lute)
Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review: ( 1 Customer Review )
Gentlemen's entertainment @ 1600ADJune 2, 2012By S Cohenroellvaneyck (SOUTH WENTWORTHVILLE, NSW)See All My Reviews"Knowing the music from John Dowland, here is added joy by music from Francis Cutting and others well known by players of sheet-music for lute and recorder of that era, late 16th century The style of playing the songs herewith is refreshing, different from known recordings by modulated emphasizing in the rephrasing of repeats, therefore worth acquiring and interesting for listening Comparatively it can be said that "Merry Melancholy", the way of love, (how?) "it is joy but why does it hurt" therefore uplifting and good to hear often"Report Abuse