Songs for Rudor King

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
This disc presents an unusual program of mostly secular works by several composers who are little known today, but who were important figures during the 15th and 16th centuries. These songs for two, three, and four parts, cover a variety of subjects--courtly love, satire, humor, and religious themes--and vary in form, following poetic conventions and stylized rhythmic schemes. Although most of these songs are secular, this doesn't imply a lack of formality. The texts and their accompanying music dictate a certain refinement in performance that points toward the palace or private home rather than the tavern. Although we know little about the lives of the represented composers--Robert Fayrfax, William Cornysh, and John Browne (in addition to Anonymous)--the character and quality of their music confirms their place among the most distinguished musicians of era. They are fortunate to have such devoted and musically accomplished advocates as the Hilliard Ensemble. --David Vernier

Songs for Rudor King, Music, Various Artists, Classical

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