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Au Pres de Vous: French chansons of the 16th century

Our sixth and latest release, this CD explores the important marriage of music, poetry and dance tunes of sixteenth century France. The vocal music includes our own arrangements of chansons and psalm settings with music by Sermisy, Janequin, Crecquillon, Lassus, and our favorite, Philip Van Wilder, inspired by the eloquent grace and the passionate artifice of poets Marot and Ronsard. The sparkling lute solos, include dances from the publications of Attaignant, and exotic gems from Marco dal l'Aquila and 'il divino' Francesco da Milano.

Duo Seraphim: Lute songs and solos for Advent and Christmastide

This very personal selection of music for Advent and Christmastide represents many traditions ranging from the 12th to the 18th centuries. Featuring our own arrangements for lute and voice of many familiar and traditional English, Irish, French, and German carols, juxtaposed with a few favorite Latin motets, Scots tunes, and one Italian lauda set to a very special poem by Petrarch. Duo Seraphim is dedicated to our many friends and supporters in the hope that it may brighten the spirit of the season for years to come.
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La Rota Fortuna: Chansons & lute solos in honor of Francesco Spinacino, fl. 1507

This beguiling program of chansons and lute solos from circa 1507 is offered as an homage to Francisco Spinacino on the 500th anniversary of his pioneering efforts in publishing the very first printed music for lute: Intabulatura de lauto (Petrucci, Venice, 1507). Themes involving the cyclical nature of Fortune, which permeated poetical and philosophical writings from antiquity onwards, are featured conspicuously in the chanson texts, sparkling and complex rondeaux brilliantly set by the likes of Ockeghem, Busnoys, and the comparatively modern Josquin des Prez. Called "essential listening" by the Lute Society (UK).
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My Lord of Oxenford's Maske: Edward de Vere and his circle

Our third release features 16th century English songs with poetry attributed to Eward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, and lute solos with dedications bearing his name. Rounding out the collection are several lute solos and duets from the famous Folger lute manuscript, and familiar favorites sure to please lovers of Shakespeare, Dowland, and all things Elizabethan, including Greensleeves and The Willow Song. Selected by Cleveland classical radio station WCLV as a Choice CD. Read a review of this disc.

Divine Amarillis: Airs De Court 1570-1640
2009 Winner, Best Classical/Vocal Album, JPF Awards

A selection of the haunting and lovely tunes of the early 17th century French court known as airs de cour. These songs were the pop music of their day, and their poetic themes dwell upon one of three subjects: unrequited love, the sometimes inexplicable interactions of mythological deities, or idyllic scenes of nymphs and shepherds. We add to the mix a few psalm settings that would have been sung and played for private domestic entertainment 400 years ago. This music has proven particularly accessible to modern audiences, and many people have told us that it conjures a moment of serenity in their otherwise hectic lives. Also selected by Cleveland classical radio station WCLV as a Choice CD.

Mignarda

Our first release, this demo-length CD includes a selection of English and French music by John Dowland, Thomas Campion, Nicolas Vallet, Robert Ballard, and a setting of the poetry of Edna St. Vincent Millay by Ron Andrico.