Search - Simone Molinaro, Vincenzo Galilei, Anonymous :: Ancient Airs and Dances: 16th Century Songs & Dances for Lute

Great Sampler of O'Dette's Virtuoso Performances

B. Marold | Bethlehem, PA United States | 11/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"'Ancient Airs and Dances' performed by Paul O'Dette on lutes and guitar, accompanyied by vocals from tenor Rogers Covey-Crump, violinist, John Holloway, lutist, Nigel North, and base viol player Christel Thielmann has all the qualities I like in medieval performances, with the bonus that even I, who has virtually no real training in either stringed instruments or ancient music can appreciate the skill with which these pieces, many by an anonymous composer, are performed.



I would probably not have bought this CD if it were not for the combination of artist O'Dette's reputation plus the recording label, Hyperion, whose relatively pricy works are always superior, especially for performances involving a small ensemble.



I usually listen to all music simply for the visceral punch, or in an attempt to educate my viscera to get more punch from an unfamiliar style of music.



While this recording does not leave my viscera unengaged, it is outstanding in the sense that it successfully involves my higher cognitive functions, which Mick and Keith rarely reach.



Very highly recommended as a sample of old music."

Wonderful performance!! Great Music!!

Frank Fisher Moore II | Denton, TX United States | 01/12/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For anyone who enjoys Renaissance music this is an absolute must have. O'Dette and his group perform the original works upon which Respighi based his famous suites... Ancient Airs and Dances for the Lute.



This is a difficult CD to find, and with Amazon's great price, I bought several additional to give as gifts. ;-)"