Chicago’s period-instrument Trio Settecento has released An English Fancy, an enchanting 80-minute album devoted to 100 years of English chamber music, spanning the 16th and 17th centuries, ending with works by Henry Purcell.
- Classical Music 101: What Does A Conductor Do? - June 17, 2019
- Classical Music 101 | What Does Period Instrument Mean? - May 6, 2019
- CLASSICAL MUSIC 101 | What Does It Mean To Be In Tune? - April 23, 2019
The trio — violinist Rachel Barton Pine, viol master (and Chicago Baroque Ensemble founder) John Mark Rozendaal and keyboardist David Schrader — pulled together this nicely textured survey with the help of the Chicago Classical recording Foundation, which has issued it on its Cedille label.
In several instances, including the opening nine-variation versions of Sellinger’s Round by William Byrd, the performers have prepared their own arrangements.
All of the great names in British instrumental composition from the time are represented, as are the two principal forms of playing instruments from the viol family, which replaced the lute as the most commonly played instrument at court (once it was restored) and in people’s homes.
These pieces and suites are not shy about borrowing from folk songs, nor about dancing. Trio Settecento performs the lot with an easy grace that lends itself as nicely to being overheard as background music or listened to in rapt appreciation of each composer’s and performer’s craft.
I have a soft spot for the perpetually off-kilter musical world of William Lawes (1605-1645), who is represented by a three-movement suite.
Purcell is, justifiably, well represented by one of his gorgeous Pavans, the Hornpipe from Abdelazer and a selection of Ayres for the Theatre, a best-of collection published shortly after his death.
Pine gets a particularly full, sweet sound out of her reproduction Renaissance violin, which she plays in authentic style on the arm instead of on the shoulder.
For all the details on this album, click here.
John Terauds
- Classical Music 101: What Does A Conductor Do? - June 17, 2019
- Classical Music 101 | What Does Period Instrument Mean? - May 6, 2019
- CLASSICAL MUSIC 101 | What Does It Mean To Be In Tune? - April 23, 2019
