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Site review by Polly Nomial July 26, 2006
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Performance: Sonics (MC): |
The disc is grouped into four parts, mirroring the material that patrons who inspired (but sometimes neglected to pay!) Dowland. First, we have three songs written for the Earl of Essex (the third provides the title) which is followed by perhaps, in six songs, the most inspired and moving music on this disc for Lucy, Countess of Bedford. A set of seven songs for Queen Elizabeth provides some relief before a group of three songs for Sir Henry Lee rounds out the balance of this highly creative compilation of Dowland's songs.
Emma Kirkby provides an introduction to this disc in which she says:
"the name of Dowland... speaks of anguish, delight and ineffable beauty.", "Lanna church, the perfect recording venue for this repertoire... its acoustics, and the surrounding silence, are like velvet."
On both counts I have to wholeheartedly agree as Kirkby, Rooley (who will be familiar to many from his work with Consort of Musicke) and the BIS team have captured this music & acoustic to what must surely be judged as perfection - the high degree of expression is not in the least self-regarding or irritating. Age has been kind to Kirkby and her radiant voice shines as brightly as ever. To Kirkby;s comments I can add that the music itself is almost unbearably poignant at times and is a model of what word-painting can achieve.
Quite simply, this is a beautiful disc.
(Purchased)
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Copyright © 2006 John Broggio and SA-CD.net
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