Search - The Whole Noyse :: Lo Splendore D'Italia

The Splendor of Italy -- and of The Whole Noyse

Claude Greenmount | The Universe | 09/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Whole Noyse takes its name from the term used to describe a complete wind-band during the Renaissance period. And the Noyse these players make is beautiful indeed. Exceptionally well crafted performances informed by as much artistry as scholarship make this CD one of the most pleasant hour-long experiences anyone can have.

Fine performances of vocal music from the period (late Renaissance) are very easy to find, but the instrumental music, especially for winds, tends thus far to be very under-represented on recording, owing in great part to the difficulty of not just finding but playing instruments like the cornetto and the curtal. The 5 members of The Whole Noyse rise admirably to the challenge of playing these difficult instruments as well as the more common sackbuts (fore-runners of the modern trombone) and recorders.

Many of the selections on the CD are arrangements of vocal music, reflecting the Italian taste for playing, in particular, French songs on instruments. Many of the names on the disc will not be familiar to even the most hard core devotee of Early Music, but there are a few familiar faces, among them, Josquin, Isaac, and Gabrieli.

If you're looking for something new for your collection, or a gift for a friend who enjoys the music of this period, this is a rare treat and a truly unique recording."

Beautiful Recording

Cuyler Page | BC, Canada | 11/04/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD sparkles from the first note with beautiful playing, energetic interpretation, a fine sense of tempo motion, and, best of all, production values that match the excellence of the performers. The quality never lets up. After numerous listenings, I still experience the inner thrill moments that come from hearing excellence in a performance. There is a clarity in this recording that is remarkable, clarity of production sound and ambiance, clarity of playing, and clarity of ensemble. It is a real joy to listen to."