Renaissance secular music between 1480 and 1620 is large in quantity, high in quality, rich in color, diverse in form and very different in content from a similar time-span of any later period with which we may be more familiar. This set of four compact discs provides a comprehensive survey of sixteenth-century secular music. Composers include not only the accepted masters of the Renaissance such as Josquin, Lasso, Marenzio, Obrecht, Isaac, Sermisy, Janequin, Gesualdo, Gabrieli, Monteverdi and Gibbons, but also many of their lesser known contemporaries. This seminal recording - offering nearly 100 tracks over four hours - receives it's first release on CD. The presentation is eight-fold and the eight topics are interdependent but recognizably individual. Taken together, they cover secular music in a fairly comprehensive way for the purpose of an introduction. In addition to Anthony Rooley's original note for the LP set (reproduced here), he has contributed a new introduction for this CD release. All texts and translations are included, making this a sumptuous offering.
C**N
Sublimely beautiful music
I have owned the box set of LPs since it was first released but rarely played since then. Mr Rooley has been teasing me by remasterng his back catalogue at various intervals: Musicke of Sundrie Kindes YES! At last!This is a well thought out and varied collection of secular music from northern Europe between about 1450 to 1600, both vocal and instrumental consisting of viol, rebec, lute and recorder. No shawms or bagpipes here, this is more like early chamber music, listening not dancing. This is four CDs of pure bliss made even better by the voice of Emma Kirkby.Thank you Mr Rooley.
A**Y
Five Stars
excellent - but then, I was the Director!
C**9
A splendid revelation
So pleased to find this. As a thirteen year old back in the early 1980's two albums started my obsession with early music. 'The World Of Early Music' which was drawn from this box set and 'Two Renaissance Dance Bands'. Having virtually worn out two vinyl copies and a cassette version. Thanks Mssrs Rooley and Munrow for initiating the passion, one very happy 52 year old.
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