Search - Christa Patton, Wayne Hankin, Italian Anonymous :: Istanpitta - Vol. 1

Nice performances, but hard to listen to

S. Gustafson | New Albany, IN USA | 03/08/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a very rousing and well-performed version of these mediæval dance tunes. The arrangements are very free, and often new instrumental lines are improvised around the monophonic melodies preserved in the manuscripts. The performances upon bagpipes, bombards, and shawms are especially rousing, especially the -Saltarello I-.

But there is a problem. There is a substantially greater variance of recording level through these pieces than seems customary. I realize, of course, that bombards and bagpipes are loud and should sound loud, while recorders and plucked strings are soft. The range, though, makes this a hard record to listen to. After listening at a comfortable level to the first track with loud instruments, you will need to turn it way up to hear the soft tracks that follow; and if you don't catch it, you will be blown out of your seat when the bagpipes and bombards return."

Joyous, reflective, rousing

S. Gustafson | 09/22/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This music is infectious. Combining ancient wind and string instruments with the percussion genius of Glen Velez on frame drums, tambourines, and dumbecs, it really succeeds in shaking all you ever thought "classical" music could be. Even if you have had a taste of Renaissance music, you should jump into this album with a fresh mind --this music is substantially different in style and flavor, and sounds like nothing you have ever heard before. It is vibrant, folksy, thrilling, provocative, and at times quiet and meditative. I fell in love on first listen and immediately went out to purchase their second album, "Istanpitta II."The first track snatches you out of your seat with its rousing rhythms and exotic melody. It literally made me leap up and dance; the joy and pure celebration of the New York's Ensemble for Early Music's rendition really bring life to the ancient music. Unfortunately, it will have to remain a secret pleasure. I attempted to introduce it into a party I went to and many people (brain-washed by MTV) couldn't stand its "differentness." Oh well. Perhaps when they're older. Even though I've converted a few of my friends, I can't expect every Electronic Age teenager to fall for an estampie or two."

Very good interpretation

GeneH | Pennsylvania, USA | 05/30/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The phrase "Earthy but Informed" applies here.... I've heard most of these pieces elsewhere but there is an energy and enthusiasm on this CD which must be experienced. There is a sense of vitality and freshness which belies the medieval origins of these pieces. One would think that the New York Ensemble for Early Music played command performance Medieval dances and not recitals.Could a live performance DVD be with dancers be in the future? I'd buy it.For me personally it was a joy to listen to performances on such a diverse group of instruments, from the Shawm and Ciaramella to the hammer Dulcimer and the.. Organistrum. I especially enjoyed the double reed work on the first and tenth tracks, the "Saltarello i Trotto" and the "In pro". The shawms on this CD don't screech!Some naysayers may feel that adding a "World Music" percussionist takes away from the "historical authenticity". I counter that Mr. Velez's presence informs the pieces with their Eastern Mediterranian inspiration and gives them a depth and liveliness. His presence gives the work balance, timeliness and a presence lacking in other performances of these works.Don't hestitate to buy this CD."