COMPOSERS: Landini
LABELS: Decca
WORKS: Ecco la primavera: Music by Landini, Magister Piero, Giovanni da Firenze, Lorenzo da Firenze, Jacopo da Bologna
PERFORMER: Early Music Consort of London/David Munrow
CATALOGUE NO: 436 219-2 ADD (1970)
A welcome reissue of another of David Munrow’s pioneering collections of early music, this 1970 recording focuses on Florentine music of the 14th century. Francesco Landini is the chief composer featured, his gentle, amorous ballate comprising over half of the vocal tracks, which also include madrigals and caccia (hunt) songs. A sprinkling of keyboard solos and sprightly dances fills out the set, the whole performed with the Consort’s peerless blend of skill and vivacity. Graham Lock