Search - Bernart de Ventadorn, Juan del Encina, Irish Traditional :: Odyssey

One the most beautiful recordings of Renaissance songs ever.

PJ. Garner | United States | 11/20/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Owain Phyfe and his friends reach new heights of artistry with this magnificently arranged and produced album of songs from the Renaissance era. With the abililty to sing in at least five languages, and a clear, subtle yet expressive style, balladeer premier Owain Phyfe goes far beyond simply doing justice to even those songs with which some of us are already familiar, such as one of his personal favorites, "Greensleeves." This is, indeed, music of the age of chivalry at its most authentic and finest. One listen and I was hooked. A definite keeper that makes a fine gift for lovers of classical music."

Wonderful

David Schaich | Cambridge, Massachusetts | 03/03/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It sometimes seems that the world of classical music began with Bach - that there was nothing before and nothing so good afterwards. This album exposes us to the centuries before the Baroque period and reminds us that there exists great music in all the cultures of the world - even those commonly overlooked.The work of Owain Phyfe and the New World Renaissance Band focuses on the music of the Late Medieval and Renaissance periods of Europe. _Odyssey_, I feel, is the most consistently excellent of their tapes and cds, most of which are relatively hard to find.The songs range from traditional melodies to sephardic ballads and everything in between. I imagine that many of those reading this review are familiar with _Greensleeves_, an excellent performance of which appears on this album. Those who are interested in looking for similar cds should go to nightwatchrecording.com, which carries several cds not in this distributor's catalogue.This album is highly recommended for all those who enjoy classical music."

Beautiful Renaissance music

David Schaich | 12/24/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a wonderful CD. Having been in many choirs, I not only appreciate the sound but the quality and skill of the singer and the musicians. The lead singer has a beautiful, clean voice and the songs are entertaining and vibrant, even though I may have no clue what they are saying. I also liked the inclusion of translations for the foreign songs.My favorites are Tourdion, because I actually know French and can sing along, and She Moved Through the Fair, which I think sounds much better than Loreena McKennitt's version."