C.P.E. BACH: Preussische und Württembergische Sonaten [CD de audio] Pieter-Jan Belder and C.P.E.Bach

This is the first Brilliant Classics recording of the magnificent Early Music ensemble Le Tendre Amour. The ensemble presents a beautiful bouquet of English lute songs, divided into four groups focused on the four seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. The composers are famous names like Purcell, Byrd, Croft, Lawes, Morley and Eccles, and lesser known ones like Lanier, de Gallot, Finger. The booklet contains all the song texts and excellent program notes. A pure delight for all seasons! A delightful collection of 17th century English songs, built around the great influence of the four seasons, and showing the great enthusiasm for music, especially amateur music, that took place during this time. During the Commonwealth of England (c.1640-1660), music almost completely disappeared from religious and court occasions. The use of instruments and music in churches was prohibited, and organs were destroyed by order of the regime, so the public turned to village and tavern musicians, country dances, and new music clubs to make music. Coinciding with the decline of the Elizabethan madrigal, popular music and the works of the famous poets of the time were popular; Likewise, keyboard variations on dance melodies and romantic songs for voice and lute were very popular, and this continued during the Restoration years under Charles II. The influence of the monarch can be detected in the French style of some of the later works, with oboe and large string groups. This inspired musical production is perfectly captured in this new collection, performed with insight and sensitivity by the Ensemble Le Tendre Amour. Composers included are Purcell, Playford, Morley, Croft, Lawes, Byrd, Eccles, Ravenscroft and, of course, many anonymous works. From bucolic country music to sophisticated pieces for a gentrifying city audience, the music provides a vivid soundtrack to life in the turbulent world of 17th century England.