Classical Net

The Internet's Premier Classical Music Source

Related Links

Recommended Links

Give the Composers Timeline Poster



Site News

What's New for
Winter 2018/2019?

Site Search

Follow us on
Facebook    Twitter

Affiliates

In association with
Amazon
Amazon UKAmazon GermanyAmazon CanadaAmazon FranceAmazon Japan

ArkivMusic
CD Universe

JPC
ArkivMusic

Sheet Music Plus Featured Sale

CD Review

Mi Verry Joy

Songs of 15th-Century Englishmen

  • John Bedyngham:
  • Mi verry joy (Rondeau)
  • O rosa bella (Ballata)
  • Le serviteur (Rondeau)
  • Myn hertis lust (Rhyme-royal)
  • Duer ne puis (Rondeau)
  • Fortune alas (Rhyme-royal)
  • Se belle (Rondeau)
  • John Dunstable:
  • Puisque m'amour (Rondeau)
  • Je languis (Ballade)
  • I pray yor all (Carol)
  • Hert:
  • O sora bella (Ballata)
  • Walter Frye:
  • alas alas (Rhyme-royal)
  • Watlin frew
  • So ys emprentid (Rhyme-royal)
  • Tout a par moy (Rondeau)
The Medieval Ensemble of London/Peter & Timothy Davies
Decca L'Oiseau-Lyre 4780023 62m DDD (Rec in 1983)
Find it at AmazonFind it at Amazon UKFind it at Amazon GermanyFind it at Amazon CanadaFind it at Amazon FranceFind it at Amazon JapanOrder Now from ArkivMusic.comFind it at CD Universe

It is a pity to observe (from the programme notes) that the Medieval Ensemble of London only lasted a few years as from the evidence provided here they sure were an excellent group of singers. The music is by John Bedyngham (d. 1460), John Dunstable (c. 1390-1453), Hert and Walter Frye (fl. 15th century), all composers who were pretty much well known in their lifetime and who provide works that are interesting and quite varied.

The Davies' brothers are excellent exponents of the music here and with their able team of soloists, this CD is extremely enjoyable and also very beautiful. I was particularly taken in by Patrizia Kwella's singing in the title track, "Mi Verry Joy" by Bedyngham and the contributions of Roger Covey-Crump in such pieces as "Le serviteur" (Bedyngham), "Je languis" (Dunstable) and last but not least "So ys emprentid" by Walter Frye. The other soloists also accredit themselves well and Timothy Davies' lute is a soothing accompaniment in several of the pieces.

The 1983 recording – which also features Margaret Philpot, Michael George and, Paul Hillier – has come up fresh and clean as a whistle and enshrines this trailblazing period vocal performance for posterity. Lovers of early Medieval vocal music and the sense of mystery it creates should not hesitate to acquire this splendid re-issue.

Copyright © 2008 by Gerald Fenech

Trumpet

© 1995-2024 Classical Net
Use of text, images, or any other copyrightable material contained in these pages, without the written permission of the copyright holder,
except as specified in the Copyright Notice, is strictly prohibited. All Rights Reserved.