Search - Thomas Weelkes, John Wilbye, William Byrd :: All At Once Well Met: English Madrigals; The King's Singers

Cyndi S. from LEANDER, TX
Reviewed on 10/25/2010...

I was glad this came with lyrics. Even though it's in English, it's hard to understand the text. It's fun - most songs were written in 1560 - 1630 or so, old stuff obviously. The tenor part is very high, kinda obvious and makes me follow that part instead of listening to the whole vocal blend, but the Kings Singers are SO good. Perfect notes, intricate parts, huge talent. Odd choice of material, but that's why I got it. Kinda like English Lit class set to music. Really hard music.

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Sumptuous and mellow

Brianna Neal | USA | 11/27/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The six men of the King's Singers present sweet and light-hearted madrigals of such English composers as Morley, Weelkes, Dowland, Wilbye and Byrd. The thirty five selections include "Now is the Month of Maying", "Though Philomela Lost Her Love", "Sing We and Chant It," the celebration of tobacco entitled "Come, Sirrah Jack, Ho!" and a host of other fa-la-la-la-la venues interspersed with wistful laments. I love the rich, sonorous sound of a male vocal ensemble, with countertenors, tenor, baritones and bass, and these six singers do a great job. Occasional instrumental accompaniments by lute and tabor are included, but this group doesn't really need it--I could listen to them for hours all by themselves. Also quite enjoyable, as well as educational, is their earlier release, "The King's Singers' Madrigal History Tour: Italy, England, France, Spain and Germany". For a more risque' take on the vocal music of Renaissance England, you might get a kick out of "The Art of the Bawdy Song" by the Baltimore Consort with the Merry Companions."

One of the Best Collections of English Madrigals

Harold T Thomas | Silver Spring, MD | 03/27/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Any fan of the King's Singers will regret not having this album in their collection. This album offers a veritable feast of the choicest English madrigals found on any comparable album. From the obligatory "Now is the Month of Maying" and "Fair Phyllis" to the more obscure "Tan ta ra, cries Mars," there is certainly enough on this album to bring a smile to lovers of Renaissance music - and a spark of recognition to anyone who sang traditional madrigals in high school or university. For serious students of early music, this album comes very highly recommended.Among the more sonorous offerings on this album, Jones' "Farewell, Dear Love" and Dowland's "Come Again," cannot be ignored. Nor can Bennet's immortal "Weep O mine eyes" be matched more musically than here by the King's Singers.This album has been played again and again for almost 6 years as both serious listening and background working music. And it has yet to lose its delight."