Rating: 5/5
Review:
A wonderful set
This is a wonderful collection of Byrd's keyboard
music. Although he is better known for
his polyphony, Byrd wrote a great deal of very fine music for harpsichord,
virginal and other keyboard instruments of the time; this is some of the best
of it, played on the harpsichord by a real master of the instrument.
The 3CD set is a wonderful, varied sequence of mature works
by Byrd, Nos. 1-25 being largely pavans and galliards and Nos 26-42 fantasias
and variations. There is a wealth of
wonderful stuff here, showing what a truly great, innovative and imaginative
composer Byrd was. It is played superbly
by Hogwood, with real sensitivity and insight - and it goes without saying that
he has the technique and virtuosity to allow every nuance of feeling and atmosphere
to shine through.
The recording is lovely, giving a fabulous rich sound with
none of the tinniness which sometimes afflicts harpsichord recitals. Hogwood's own notes are full, very
interesting and very readable, and it's a really good set all round. Very warmly recommended.
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