Search - John Dowland, William Byrd, Giaches de Wert :: The King's Singers' Madrigal History Tour

A Terrific European Madrigal Sampling

Harold T Thomas | Silver Spring, MD | 03/23/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Most madrigals one hears tend to be either in Italian or English. Not so on this album, perhaps one of the best European madrigal samplers (if not the only one)in existence. Some well known English and Italian madrigals can be found, of course. But the true treasure of this album is its inclusion of French, German -- and most rarely, Spanish -- madrigal offerings. Combine this repertoire, then, with the accurate sonorities of the King's Singers and one finds treasure unbounded. An album that is infinitely enjoyable. Liner notes and translations are included."

A Real Delight

Harold T Thomas | 04/14/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I heard the first four selections on a Chicago classical station earlier this year, and knew right away I had to have this album. The King's Singers harmonize beautifully. And, as the title suggests, the listener gets samples of different European madrigal styles."

A fun introduction to European madrigal styles!

Brianna Neal | USA | 11/27/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Joined on about a third of the numbers by instrumentalists billed as the "Consort of Musicke", the King's Singers offer a variety of compositions from each country they "visit", some upbeat and others gently reflective. The vocalists are countertenors Jeremy Jackman and Alastair Hume, tenor Bill Ives, baritones Anthony Holt and Simon Carrington, and bass Colin Mason. Their presence and theatricality in interpreting the material are delightful, and these men blend together impeccably, with a clear, straight tone and flawless enunciation. You can actually understanding the words without reading along in the insert booklet (provided, of course, that you're familiar with the language being sung!) Favorites of mine from the thirty four tracks include the Italian "Lirum bililirum" and "Il bianco e dolce cigni"; the English "Of all the birds that I do know" and "Now is the month of Maying"; "La, la, la, je ne l'ose dire" and "Il est bel et bon" from France, "Tres morillas m'enamoran" from Spain; and the German "Tanzen und Springen". In addition to this release, this fine group has an extensive discography. Check out their other recordings too!"