"Shake-speare's" Music
M. Delahoyde | Pullman, Washington, United States | 07/03/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My Lord of Oxenford, Edward de Vere, was praised in his own time for his comedies and other plays and writings. So much attention has to be invested in demonstrating to the world that these works survived under the pen name Shakespeare that few have paid attention to Oxford's involvement in the field of music too. But the composer John Farmer in 1599 dedicated a collection of madrigals to the Earl of Oxford, saying,
"for without flattrie be it spoken, those that know your Lordship know that, that using this science [music] as a recreation, your Lordship have overgone most of them that make it a profession." Oxford put England on the cultural map of the Renaissance, it seems, in more arts than the intensity of the Shakespeare authorship debate alone would indicate.
So here is a ravishing collection of music -- a bounty of 28 tracks -- connected in one way or more with the Earl of Oxford, Shakespeare studies, and Elizabeth's court. "My Lord of Oxenford's Maske" is indeed, as the CD notes mention, an "evocative title," and the pieces are simultaneously exciting and soothing. Thanks to Mignarda for these "honeyed" performances and to Earl Showerman for his energies."
My Lord of Oxenford's Maske
Earl Showerman | Applegate, Oregon | 03/01/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This collection of songs, ballads and dances is the first compilation of music dedicated to Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, who has been identified as the most credible candidate in the Shakespeare authorship challenge. The recording is superb with Ms. Stewart's exquisite mezzo-soprano vocals lending an ethereal air to the delicate lute playing of Mr. Andrico. The liner notes include song lyrics, and are quite comprehensive as regards their relevance to the question of Oxford's musical skill and patronage. For lovers or Renaissance music with an interest in Shakespeare and the authorship question, the cd is a treasure."
Track Listings (28) - Disc #1
