Release Date: 02 February 2024
Label: Prospero Classical
Packaging Type: Brilliant Case (Jewel Case size, Holds 2 CDs)
No of Units: 2
Barcode: 4262353970461
Description
The English early music ensemble Solomon's Knot had four inspiring recording days surrounded by bats, peacocks and ghosts for their latest double album of music by the English composer George Jeffreys (ca 1610 - 1685). The recordings took place at Kirby Hall, one of England's most enchanting Elizabethan manor houses. Thanks to English Heritage and some generous supporters, and under the expert ears of recording team Nicholas Parker and Andrew Mellor,
Solomon's Knot brought the English church music of George Jeffreys back to the place where the composer lived and worked for most of his life.
This 2-CD recording contains the complete English vocal works for 4 and 5 voices with continuo by George Jeffreys, including many world premiere recordings, which undoubtedly show that he is the great "forgotten" composer of the English 17th century.
"This double-CD recording of Jeffreys' works for four and five voices is certainly an impressive calling-card for his music" – Presto Music
"One huge advantage Solomon's Knot have in this type of music is the unrelenting beauty of their individual voices: listen for the cascading phrases in the four-voice work What praise can reach thy clemency" – Gramophone
FEATURED IN PRESTO MUSIC'S EARLY MUSIC ROUND UP
"this album should jump-start the process of returning [Jeffreys] to his rightful place in history." – Presto Music
"This is an outstanding and important recording, throwing some fascinating light on the shady interlude between the glories of Elizabethan choral music and the exuberance of the Restoration. It comes highly recommended." – BBC Music Magazine *****
"The almost forgotten 17th-century English composer George Jeffreys is revealed as a remarkable talent, writing Italian influenced-music in the depths of darkest Northamptonshire during the Civil War, vividly brought to life by Solomon's Knot." – Planet Hugill
"Solomon's Knot is a stroke of luck for the forgotten composer. They really make the music their own, glowing, passionate, expressive. An exceptionally intense album" – BR Klassik
"In addition to the highly sensitive, emotionally rich interpretation, the vocal performance of the soloists is a real feast. All the singers involved are characterized not only by a constantly exciting tonal colorfulness, but also by excellent ensemble, phrasing, and articulation skills. The unjustly neglected composer is promoted with great dedication for almost an hour and a half." – Pizzicato *****
Tracklisting
Solomon's Knot
Alexandre Foster; Heinz Holliger
Die Freitagsakademie
Nikolaus Harnoncourt; Philharmonia Zurich
Anna Bonitatibus; Adele D'Aronzo
Kathrin Hottinger; Edward Rushton
Ilker Arcayurek, Simon Lepper
Daria Parkhomenko
Solomon's Knot
