As explained in Elizabeth Kenny and Mark Levy's informative liner notes, beauty and "expressive power" of the voice are the essential ingredients in performing these intimate, emotionally rich songs, which William Byrd intended for solo singer and viol accompaniment. No one had a greater gift than Byrd for writing captivating melodies that flow with a remarkable, cadence-less freedom, naturally, inevitably, every turn and leap seeming just right. The viol accompaniments exhibit Byrd's finest contrapuntal style, and the harmonies are always plush and vibrant. Keeping with continental practice, a lute is sometimes added to the instrumental mix.

Although some of these songs have been performed on other recordings, most notably by Michael Chance (Virgin) and Daniel Taylor (Atma), this is the most comprehensive single-disc offering of Byrd's work in this genre, a decidedly melancholic, tragic domain where sensuality trumps any notion of art for art's sake. And after all, has anyone more effectively or poignantly captured in music the pain and grief of loss of a loved one than Byrd in his "elegy for Thomas Tallis", Ye sacred Muses? Here, countertenor Robin Blaze, who continues to mature as a vocalist and musician, shows why he is one of today's top singers, bringing full measure of ardent vocalism to bear in every note of this deeply moving, heartfelt utterance. Ultimately, Blaze and his colleagues deliver interpretations that go to the heart and soul of each and every song, treating each as a unique, personal revelation. The sound is ideal. Make this a priority. [6/8/2004]

--David Vernier