I bought this budget priced album for £5.99 yesterday (Helios CDH55096) and thought I’d pass on some remarks about it to board members.
The album features Nancy Haddon and Janet See (amongst others), on Renaissance transverse flutes,playing a programme of music by Crecquillon,Senfl,Janequin,van Eyck,Frescobaldi etc.
As well as flute consort music,the album also features Renaissance and Spanish harps,Harpsichord and Viola de Gamba.
This is the first time that I’ve heard Ren. Flutes and I was surprised by the very graceful quality of their sound.
These types of Flute are quite different from the later ‘Baroque’ Flute,as they tend to favour the upper octaves,rather that the lower.Also,they are completely keyless.
As well as ensemble compositions,there are solo tracks (van Eyck-which is now more often played on Recorder),which exhibit much charm and musicality.
I’d certainly recommend this album to anyone who, like me,is interested in widening their knowledge of ‘historical’ flutes and flute music.
Kevin,
thanks for the “heads up” about this album - it sounds like one I’ll have to buy in the coming months.
I’ve always been tempted by Ralph Sweet’s renaissance flute. I had his ren. fife, and it was a really good little fife and really easy to half hole notes on.
Eric
Aye,It’s a good’un-Haddon and See are both highly respected players of ‘historic’ flutes,so I thought it would be a good buy.
Renaissance flute? Don’t tempt me-I fancy an early Baroque flute at A= 392 next!!! 