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Sirinu, an early music group based in the UK, has been gaining popularity since its inception in 1992. According to one Web site, Sirinu uses none of the standard performing paraphernalia like mikes and music stands; rather it interacts directly with the audience using a variety of theatrical techniques, including instrumental music, singing, dance, and mime. Some of the spontaneity from this creative approach comes through in this release, making it one of the most delightful Renaissance recordings on the market.
This covers exclusively the music of Renaissance England, specifically from King Henry VIII's court. A large variety of songs and dances are included, some with singing, some purely instrumental. One especially interesting piece is a round of street cries--an advertisement for new oysters--published by Thomas Ravenscroft in 1609. Names of composers include Anthony Holborne, William Cornysh, John Dowland, William Byrd, and Henry VIII. A wonderful array of instruments is used: recorder, shawm, hurdy-gurdy, harpsichord, bagpipe, cittern, harp, and a variety of percussion.
Many of the tunes have become familiar through their frequent appearance on other Renaissance discs, but some are new to me. And of course the arrangements are, at least in some cases, improvisational. I enjoyed every single number on this program. Soprano Sarah Stowe, who sings the solos, has a light, pleasing voice and clear enunciation. Sometimes the men join in the singing, and everyone sounds as if he is having fun.
Track listing:
1. Anonymous: Wolsey's Wild (From the Wigthorpe Manuscript)
2. William Cornysh: And I were a Maiden, for voice & ensemble
3. Anonymous My Lady Carey's Dompe
4. Antony Holborne: The Night Watch for viol consort
5. William Cornysh: Ay besherewe yow, for 3 voices
6. Anonymous: Carol for duclimer solo
7. Johnson: Eliza is the fairest Queen
8. Matthew Spring: Medley, for cittern solo
9. William Cornysh: I am a Jolly Foster, for voice & ensemble
10. English Anonymous: Votre trey dowce regaunt For harp solo
11. Thomas Ravenscroft: We be three poor Mariners
12. English Anonymous: Pavan, for crumhorns & percussion
13. John Dowland: Tarletones Risurrectione for lute, P59
14. English Anonymous: The Poor People's Complaint (broadside ballad)
15. English Anonymous: Ring out your Bells (broadside ballad)
16. Thomas Ravenscroft: New Oysters
17. English Anonymous: Le Pied de cheval, alemande
18. Philip van Wilder: Arthur's Dump
19. William Cornysh: Hoyda, hoyda, jolly Rutterkin, for 3 voices
20. John Dowland: Say Love if ever thou didst find
21. Anonymous: Daunce
22. Anonymous: Westron wynde
23. William Byrd: Unspecified Fantasia a 3, for voice, recorder & 2 viols
24. William Cornysh: Blow thy horn, hunter
25. William Byrd: Lavolta, for keyboard in G minor, No. 2, MB 91
26. King of England Henry VIII: Pastyme with Good Companye for 3 voices
27. Sirinu: Tudor Dance Tune Medley, for bagpipes, hurdy-gurdy, pipe, tudor & percussion
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