Torre, F: Danza alta

This beautiful set gathers for the first time Spanish and French instrumental dances from the XVIth and XVIIth Centuries scattered as 'interludes' in many Astrée and Alia Vox existing releases. It is a definitive overview of this repertoire and enables us to realise just how beautiful and irresistible this music can be. Given electric performances and virile repertoire, the Royal Minstrels offer uplifting experiences. Deluxe packaging and beautiful artwork as you would expect from Alia Vox…

Booklet: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Catalan

Divox ’s new release of this month offers a fascinating musical journey through ‘al Andalus and Hispania’. The recorder ensemble ‘Diferencias’ presents a selection of works and songs from the 13th to the 16th century. The chosen repertoire is divided in three parts. First one will discover the very rigorous music composed and performed in the monastery of Las Huelgas in Burgos around 1290. The second part is dedicated to works by Antonio de Cabezon and Cristobal de Morales. And last, but not least the CD ends with a selection of cheerful but also sorrowful songs called Villancicos from the famous “Cancionero de Palacio”.

The Emperor Charles V was surrounded by music from his childhood onwards. When Charles left the Netherlands to take up his inheritance of the Spanish throne he was accompanied by the Flemish musicians who later became the ‘Capilla Flamenca’ This recording sets a new focus and presents ceremonial wind music from the ‘Golden Age’ of the Spanish Renaissance, as it would have sounded in Charles V’s lifetime. The only probable comparison point for a recording like this which is centred around an historical figure is one by David Munrow in 1972.