Renaissance Faire Music Celtic Music Classical Early Music: Harp Classical Early Music: Lute Classical Early Music Power Metal Soundtracks

Trionfo D'Amore E Della Morte Florentine Msic for a Medici Procession Piffaro & the Concord Ensemble Dorian Recordngs (DOR-90312) In their latest album, Piffaro teams up with The Concord Ensemble, a men' a cappellas consort, to bring to life the music of 15th-century Florence. The Laude (songs of devotion), which are performed first in the program, are spectacular, with the resonant timbre of the ensemble's voices emphasizing both the character and the force of this uplifting music. This festive program features madrigals about Lorenzo d'Medici, Florentine battles, and the rise and fall of the Dominican friar Savonarola (a religious reformer who rose to power after the death of Lorenzo and who was subsequently hung and burned by Pope Alexander VI for his radical preaching). Piffaro delivers artistic and well-polished performances here but, at times (especially in the Lorenzo innamorato segment, in which the songs are either written or collected by Lorenzo d'Medici), a bit more exuberance would have better-suited the spirit of this renaissance prince. A few of the song choices are also somewhat sluggish, in contrast to the energy of the remaining selections. Still, the Concord Ensemble's rich voices bring a resonant coherence to the works, especially in "A la battaglia" by Heinrich Isaac, where the vocalizations are flawless in their tonality. The harmonious blending of the instrumentals and vocals is also quite impressive on this CD, as demonstrated in the anonymous composition "Torna, torna." In this piece, the sound of the less-refined bagpipes and shawms, in juxtaposition with that of the radiant male voices, reflects the diversity and eclectic interests of the denizens of Florence. The liner notes are exemplary as well as they provide insightful perspectives into the Florentine procession and the history of this great city. Music was the focal point of the Florentine festival and both ensembles capture this dynamic and colorful world through its expert musicianship and historical investigation. This CD demonstrates that the allure and popularity of renaissance Florence continues to live on through its music. --Ian Rotondi

Click here to order:       To order Renaissance Magazine, click here.     To order medieval tapestries and other period products, click here.