Search - Jones, Chance, Cordier :: Musicall Dreame

A voice teacher and early music fan

George Peabody | Planet Earth | 05/26/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"DUETS FROM 'A MUSICALL DREAME' (FOURTH BOOK OF AYRES,1609 BY ROBERT JONES, AND INSTRUMENTAL PIECES BY TOBIAS HUME, GILES FARNABY AND JOHN DOWLAND. Sublime musical expression does not necessarily proceed from serene spirits whose philosophical loftiness leaves them unmoved by the push and shove of the marketplace; prime examples could be made of many of the performers and writers today who begin in their preferred genre and end up giving in to the pressures of agents, producers etc. not because they want to, but because the financial picture requires it. Lucky are they who need not be concerned about such things.



Therefore, we must conclude that from their writings and their performances, it was the same in the time of our 17th century notables. The music of Jones, Dowland and and Hume often expressed the pressures of public opinion and changing fashions as well as their highly individual natures. Hume set out to prove that the Gamba could outdo the lute in every respect. Dowland asks why no one has come forth to defend the venerable name of the lute. Jone's specialty was rather the light air and the colourful image. However, at this safe distance of time, we can enjoy the musical diversity of a very creative period without having to take sides in the arguments.



The vocal selections are in the majority on this recording, so I'll list the titles of a few duets that I particularly enjoyed, and the two solos that each singer has: Duets: 'My Complaining Is But Feigning', 'Farewell, fond youth', 'In Darkness Let Me Dwell'. Chance sings alone:'Grief, of my best love's absenting' and 'Ite caldi sospiri'(loved that one). Cordier sings alone: 'And Is It Night' and 'Flow My Tears'. The songs cover all of our existing emotions, love, hate, anger, humour etc.



The two countertenors are beyone reproach for they are both singing a genre with which they are totally familiar and very expert. Their voices are similar, but Cordier's voice sounds best in the upper register so he is usually singing the higher part, and Chance. who has one of the most even and rich sounds I have heard, prefers the lower alto range. But, along with Tragicomedia (a very fine ensemble), they have made a super-duper quality recording. IT IS QUITE APT TO REFER TO IT AS 'A MUSICALL DREAME', FOR INDEED IT IS!



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