Search - Christopher Wilson :: La Magdalena: Lute Music of Renaissance France

Sterling performance in mediocre technology

Stephen A. Haines | Ottawa, Ontario Canada | 02/21/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Of all the forms of classical music, the lute must be the most endearing to hear. Although some classical "purists" may decry the narrow sound range of the instrument, it's nearly impossible to hear a poor performance. This set of Renaissance French pieces is a fine example of a master's hand with the lute. Christopher Wilson has produced a number of collections of lute music. He's easily among the leaders in this form of music. This collection of 27 pieces are drawn from a spectrum of 16th Century French composers and Wilson's abilities with the lute are expressed with finesse.Unfortunately, his virtuoso playing isn't matched by those recording him. This CD from Veritas sounds as if it was made on a late Friday afternoon with all the techs anxious to get home and into the evening wine. The sounds are hollow, as if Wilson had been placed in the wrong studio [or perhaps in the warehouse] and the much of the instrument's quality somehow compromised. That's a pity, given his talent. It's also a bit unusual for Veritas to release a CD of such mediocre quality. Perhaps the quality control inspectors were also destined for a debauch. It must have been some party, but it certainly did a fine lutenist a severe disservice. I can certainly recommend this CD for the music, if you're willing to accept a sound condition less than ideal."