By definition, no two compilations of "Music for the Spanish Court" are alike (see recordings from Jordi Savall, the Gothic Voices, etc.) and this one offers first rate performances of songs and instrumental pieces performed by one of the world's premier early music ensembles, The Dufay Collective. The repertoire comes from "the time of Ferdinand and Isabella. . . whose marriage in 1469 effectively united the disparate states of Spain." So there's quite a mix of vocal and instrumental songs and dances by both anonymous and named composers, Narváez and Isaac being the most familiar. Early music fans will recognize the various instruments--sackbut, viols, lute, vihuela, rebec, shawm, harpsichord, harp--and these are employed in all manner of combinations, sometimes with a voice or two, invariably to enchanting or at least thoroughly engaging effect. Vivien Ellis and John Potter provide the vocal support and they do it with impeccable musicianship and technique borne of years of experience with early music performance. The instrumental ensembles, whether viols or wind configurations, deliver refined, colorful, energetic performances that we expect from these players--and the result is eminently listenable interpretations that always seem contextually proper and sensible.
My only complaint is the sonic perspective that renders the pieces with winds--such as the shawm, bombarde, and sackbut in several selections--significantly louder and more present than those with more sparse forces, such as voice/harp or solo vihuela or harpsichord. The transition between these tracks is jarring, although the performances remain focused, technically assured, and invariably true to style. Occasionally, as in the song Con amores mi madre, the voice is covered by the accompaniment, but in general the clarity of the instruments and voices is impressive, and early music fans will find this a welcome addition to their collections. --David Vernier, ClassicsToday.com
