Delphín

Delphín
Frank Wallace
Gyre Records
(Grye 10042)

The burst of musical creativity that was renaissance Spain's Golden Era (1536-1576) was led by seven composers who played a guitar-lute hybrid called the vihuela de mano, an instrument that slipped into obscurity during the Jacobean Era and was all but forgotten until its 20th-century revival. Thanks to his numerous recordings, singer-instrumentalist Frank Wallace has played a key role in revitalizing public interest in the vihuela. Recorded over two summers in a New Hampshire church, Wallace's self-produced CD Delphín is a compelling contribution to the vihuela revival as well as a skillful compilation of 16th-century instrumental solos, each played with feeling and respect for the music's technical shadings.

Unlike the lilting and melodic lute music of France and England, vihuela compositions are generally perceived as courtly, mannered, and formal. Not only that, but the vihuela is a demanding instrument to play (which is one reason why it was replaced by the guitar) and its music is challenging to interpret. But Wallace imbues the 35 instrumentals that comprise this CD with quiet flair and dignity.

Perhaps the most interesting and vivacious piece is "Fantasía 10" by Alonso de Mudarra, a sophisticated composition that Wallace performs with just the right touch of panache, mimicing the harp playing of the era. Wallace also boldly includes four solos by Francesco da Milano, an Italian who was regarded as the finest lute player of his day and who performed on the viola da mano (the Italian cousin of the vihuela).

Delphín is a worthy acquisition for anyone serious about Early Music and, especially, plucked instruments of the renaissance. Although not a recording for the impatient or uninitiated, the music here is rich, contemplative, and ultimately rewarding.

--Marc Alexander