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Rosasolis Dante Ferrara Gargantua Records (GRGCD 01022) Rosasolis, the second CD from British minstrel and instrumentalist Dante Ferrara, is named after a tune written by Thomas Robinson in the year of Queen Elizabeth's death and showcases the orpharion, an English instrument that was created for Elizabeth in 1580, strung mainly with brass wire, and played and tuned similarly to a lute. Rosasolis offers aficionados a fine selection of English orpharion music from John Dowland, Francis Cutting, Thomas Robinson, John and Robert Johnson, and other Elizabethan composers. Each of the tunes is played with spirit and verve, and even the minor flaws in Ferrara's technique do not detract from the beauty of the music or the unique sound of the orpharion. Ferrara divides his self-produced CD into three distinct segments. "Music for Oak Panels" is a collection of courtly instrumentals for the orpharion and its cousin the cittern. Next, "The Great Outdoors" offers a half-dozen selections of music for hurdy-gurdy, recorders, and reed instruments that provides a welcome contrast to the mannered, courtly compositions that comprise the bulk of Rosasolis. Finally, "The Top Shelf" consists of five ribald vocal tracks that explore the less-refined side of Jacobean life. While Rosasolis is not the work of a virtuoso performer, it is an entertaining and original CD and a worthwhile addition to the Early Music revival. Although it may not be suitable for die-hard lute purists, those keen to broaden their appreciation of renaissance plucked instruments-or Jacobean ribaldry-will thoroughly enjoy this CD. To order a copy, visit www.danteferrara.co.uk --Ian Rotondi

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