COMPOSERS: Various
LABELS: L'OISEAU-LYRE
WORKS: A Concorde of Sweete Sounde
PERFORMER: Amsterdam Loeki Stardust Quartet
CATALOGUE NO: 436 155-2 DDD
The Amsterdam Loeki Stardust Quartet has already recorded repertory for recorder consort which ranges from the English Baroque to Misty. Its new disc, devoted to music of Renaissance England, offers a fine example of this group’s freshness and startling emotional range.
Much of the music recorded here was not originally written for the recorder, but the musical arrangements throughout sound appropriate and natural. The programming is also excellent. The timbral variety of the instruments and the choice of music, which is varied both in mood and texture, effectively maintain interest and concentration.
Contrast, for example, the sombre darkness of the 14th-century Inter chorus paradiscolum with the sparkling vigour of Aston’s Maske. A most enjoyable recital. Nicholas Rast
