EARLY MUSIC IN BRIEF

Tenebres et Abysses

The Leçons de Ténèbres (Tenebrae Lessons) fall within the tradition of French sacred music under the reigns of Louis XIV and Louis XV. With her Ensemble Léviathan, Lucile Tessier crafts a showcase worthy of the King’s Chamber for the melismas of the Soprano Eugénie Lefebvre: the shadows come alive, a long lamentation rings out from the abysses, in the flickering flame of candlelight. (CDV)

1CD# CVS092 $18.99

Stella: Renaissance Gems & their Reflections, Vol. 3 / Ora Singers

Spanish composers of the sixteenth century followed a long tradition of writing music in honor of the Virgin Mary. The composer Tomás Luis de Victoria wrote multiple settings of devotion to Mary of which this collection showcases some real gems. The album sees Ora Singers continue their series of great renaissance masterworks being reflected by some of the finest choral composers of our present day. (Harmonia Mundi)

1CD# MOB945070 $19.99

Frescobaldi: Fiori Musicali

SOMM Recordings marks the anniversaries of the birth and death of the late-Renaissance, early-Baroque master Girolamo Frescobaldi with a revelatory new recording of his celebrated collection of liturgical organ music, Fiori musicali Making their label debuts are acclaimed organist Richard Lester, and a baritone quartet drawn from The Greenwood Consort. (Somm Recordings)

1CD# SOMMCD 0661 $18.99

L’Arte Del Virtuoso, Vol. 1 – Solo Concertos

Caterva musica has committed itself entirely to early music. What makes it special: Each member is a gifted soloist, but knows how to fit into the accompanying orchestra when needed. Five remarkable solo concertos of the 18th century show once the stupendous virtuosity of the individual, but also but also the harmonically colorfully coordinated ensemble performance of the top-class group. (MDG-Scene)

1SACD# 9262277-6 $19.99

The Splendour of Florence / Gothic Voices

Following its Gramophone Editor’s Choice album Echoes of an Old Hall, Medieval expert Gothic Voices has recorded The Splendour of Florence, a collection of Franco-Flemish music. (Linn)

1CD# CKD700 $18.99

Machaut: Remede de Fortune / Blue Heron; Les Délices

This live recording of a concert production of the Remede includes all seven musical items from the Remede as well as a selection of other motets, songs, and dances. (Blue Heron) 1CD# BHCD1012 $19.99

William Byrd: Pavans & Galliards [2 CDs]

Daniel-Ben Pienaar continues his campaign of performing early music on a modern piano with an abundant selection of Pavans & Galliards, Variations & Grounds by William Byrd. (Avie) 2CD# AV2574 $24.99

Giaches de Wert: Versi d’Amore / Voces Suaves

Following three critically acclaimed albums of sacred music, Voces Suaves turns to the most important secular genre of the Renaissance: the madrigal. (Arcana) 1CD# A536 $18.99