[This is a re-post from our review archives, in memory of James Bowman, November 6, 1941—March 27, 2023.] Here’s a companion to the simultaneously released David Munrow/Testament disc devoted to music from the 1972 film Henry VIII & his Six Wives (also reviewed here). This one (also from a 1972 recording) showcases music that likely was performed at the Spanish court in the late-15th/early-16th centuries. There’s a lot more vocal music here than on the Henry VIII disc, much of it for two or three parts, very well sung by countertenor James Bowman, tenor Martyn Hill, and baritone Geoffrey Shaw. Bowman really shines in his solos; Hill’s solo sound tends to have a harsh edge and he doesn’t have Bowman’s expressive subtlety.
Accompaniments and instrumental pieces are all performed on period instruments–and this was truly the early days of the historical-authenticity movement, so we are occasionally reminded of how difficult it must have been for players to master such ornery things as cornetts, shawms, and sackbuts. Best are the vocal ensemble pieces, some very beautiful and virtually unknown items (both a cappella and accompanied) by composers such as Alonso, Escobar, Alva, and a curiously named Josquin d’Ascanio (commonly thought to be Josquin Des Prez). And it’s great fun to hear these instruments, from reeds and bowed strings to guitar, vihuela, recorder, harpsichord, regal, and organ, all skillfully played and intelligently scored.
The final 12 tracks of the disc’s 38 are devoted to selections from Munrow’s 1974 Instruments of the Middle Ages & Renaissance, a book and 2-LP set that gave most listeners of that time their first opportunity to hear real live period instruments playing real music. How can you pass up the chance to meet such interesting and invariably engaging contraptions as cornamuses, tenor and bass kortholts, mandoras, and great-bass racketts? The sound–so important in a project like this–is absolutely fine. Early music fans, get this while you can. [4/9/2004]
