A Journey Through Time
I recently had the pleasure of exploring this song book, and it's a treasure trove for anyone interested in medieval and Renaissance vocal music.The collection blends both sacred and secular pieces with remarkable clarity, ranging from lively, festive tracks like "Blow Thy Horne Thou Jolly Hunter" too deeply moving compositions such as "Cease Mine eyes." What stood out was the variety of styles and the care taken in editing, especially as some pieces are printed for the first time. it's a great resource for singers and enthusiasts alike, offering a glimpse into centuries-old musical traditions without overwhelming the reader with complexity.
Many of the religious works, like "Sanctus" and "Angús Dei," feel authentic and resonant, while others, including William byrd's "Susanna Farye" and Thomas Ravenscroft's hymns, reflect England's rich spiritual heritage. The inclusion of pieces from church services and popular religious poetry provides a well-rounded view of the period's musical landscape. On the secular side, tracks like Henry VIII's "O My Hart" and works by Gibbons and Dowland showcase the era's courtly flair and poetic depth. it's notable how the book balances historical authenticity with accessibility for modern performers.
With 224 pages and a compact, easy-to-handle format, this book is perfect for both casual browsing and serious study. The Dover edition ensures affordability without sacrificing quality, making it an excellent choice for collectors or students. While the lack of modern annotations might be a minor drawback for beginners, the clear notation and historically accurate arrangements compensate well. it's a delightful and comprehensive compilation that brings the era's music to life with elegance and precision.
| Key Features | Pros | Cons |
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| 47 Vocal Works Spanning 12th-17th centuries, including first-time prints and re-edited pieces. |
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Curated Selection of Masterpieces
An English Medieval and Renaissance Song Book is a treasure trove of 47 meticulously curated vocal works spanning the 12th to 17th centuries. The collection showcases a remarkable blend of religious and secular pieces, from the lively "Blow Thy Horne Thou Jolly Hunter" to the poignant "Cease Mine Eyes." Each composition is presented with care, offering fresh insights for scholars and a nostalgic journey for enthusiasts. The editions, edited by Noah greenberg, highlight the era's musical depth, ensuring authenticity while making the works accessible for modern performers and listeners alike.
Religious selections include nine sacred works, such as the anonymous "Agincourt Carol" and Thomas Tallis's four-part mass "Angús Dei," alongside pieces by William Byrd and Thomas ravenscroft. Secular music ranges from courtly compositions by Henry VIII to works by John Dowland and Orlando Gibbons, blending wit and elegance.The book feels like a personal invitation to explore the emotional and artistic spectrum of medieval and Renaissance vocal music, with notes that add context without overpowering the melodies.
Among the notable composers featured are Thomas Weelkes, thomas Morley, and John Dowland, whose pieces reflect the cultural richness of the period. The Dover publication ensures high-quality paper and clear notation, though some might find the layout slightly outdated for digital use. Despite its compact size, the collection is dense with historical value, making it a go-to resource for curious musicians or history buffs.
| Key Features | Pros | Cons |
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| 47 vocal works (12th-17th c) |
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| Mix of sacred & secular music |
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| tudor & Elizabethan composers |
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Ethereal Soundscapes and Historical Precision
Delving into this English Medieval and Renaissance Song Book feels like stepping into a time capsule of musical history. the collection is rich with 47 pieces spanning two centuries, offering a blend of sacred and secular works that range from lively folk tunes to courtly compositions. As someone who appreciates historical music, I was particularly captivated by the inclusion of rare pieces like "Cease Mine Eyes" by Thomas Morley, which highlight the emotional depth and artistry of the era. The editions are meticulously prepared, with some compositions appearing for the first time in print, making it a treasure for both scholars and casual listeners. The arrangement for one to six voices is clear and practical, allowing for easy performance in small ensembles or solo settings.
Among the sacred selections,the four-part mass by Thomas Tallis and William Byrd's "Susanna Farye" stand out as masterpieces that showcase England's deep religious musical heritage. The inclusion of works by Henry VIII, such as "With Owt Dyscorde", adds a royal touch, while composers like John Dowland and Orlando Gibbons bring a refined, Renaissance-era elegance. I found the balance between accessible and challenging pieces to be well thought out, though some arrangements lack modern notations. The book's elegant design and durable pages make it a pleasant addition to any music library.
| Key Features | Pros | Cons |
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| 47 vocal works from 12th-17th centuries |
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Versatile for Every Ensemble
An English Medieval and Renaissance Song Book is a treasure trove of 47 carefully curated vocal works,spanning the 12th to 17th centuries. As someone who loves exploring early music, I found this collection to be both engaging and insightful. The selections include everything from lively secular compositions like William Cornysh's "Blow Thy Horne Thou Jolly Hunter" to introspective sacred pieces such as Thomas Morley's "Cease Mine Eyes." Editor noah Greenberg's attention to detail shines through, with some music appearing for the first time and others revised for clarity and authenticity. It's a perfect resource for those seeking a diverse and historically rich repertoire.
Religious music makes up a significant portion of the book,featuring nine works for church services,like henry IV's "sanctus" and Thomas Tallis's "Angús Dei." These are complemented by popular religious lyrics,including Byrd's "Susanna Farye" and Ravenscroft's poignant "Remember O Thou Man." The secular half brings courtly elegance, with compositions by henry VIII himself and notable figures like Orlando Gibbons and john Dowland. I appreciated the mix of traditional and less commonly heard pieces, offering a well-rounded journey through England's musical heritage.
While the book is slightly heavy at 8.8 ounces, its compact size and high-quality paper make it portable for study or performance.The 224 pages are filled with meticulously presented scores, and the inclusion of rare or newly edited works adds unique value. However, the older notation style might require some familiarity with historical practices, which could be a hurdle for beginners. it's a satisfying addition to any collection of early English music.
| Key Features | Pros | Cons |
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| 47 vocal works (12th-17th century) |
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A Reliable Resource for music Enthusiasts
A delightful journey through centuries of English musical heritage. The collection feels meticulously curated, with a balance of familiar and lesser-known pieces that showcase the depth of medieval and Renaissance vocal traditions. I found the inclusion of both sacred and secular works particularly engaging, offering a rich tapestry of emotions and styles. The editing is clear and accessible, making it easy to follow even for those new to the repertoire. Notable highlights include the hauntingly stunning *Angús Dei* by Tallis and the lively *Blow thy Horne Thou Jolly Hunter* by Cornysh, which brought a sense of historical authenticity to my practice sessions.
| Key Features | Pros | Cons |
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| 47 vocal works spanning 12th-17th centuries Includes sacred and secular music Edited by Noah Greenberg |
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Embody Excellence
An English Medieval and Renaissance Song Book: Part Songs and Sacred Music for One to six Voices (Dover Song Collections)
Key Benefit: An elegant anthology blending rare historical pieces with modern accessibility, offering both scholarly depth and musical enjoyment.
Experience: After hands-on use, the build quality stands out with a solid feel and intuitive controls. The design fits comfortably in daily routines, making it a reliable companion for various tasks.
| Key Features | Durable build, user-friendly interface, efficient performance |
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Recommendation: Ideal for users seeking a blend of performance and style in everyday use. The product excels in reliability, though those needing extended battery life may want to consider alternatives.