One reason to hear this album might be that it is issued by
Jordi Savall
's
Alia Vox
label, and thus might give a clue as to the direction that label will take when the indefatigable
Savall
finally slows down. All the indications are good on this release by the ensemble
Tasto Solo
under director
Guillermo Perez
. The title is complex:
Eros & Subtilitas: Capricci, Madrigali e Danze in Dialogo
("
Eros and Precision: Capriccios, Madrigals, and Dances in Dialogue
"), but the idea is straightforward enough:
Perez
and company seek to reevaluate the relationship between vocal and instrumental music in the second half of the 16th century. He relies mostly on a 1564 collection of instrumental pieces by
Vincenzo Ruffo
, many of them based on vocal models. The general line on instrumental music of this period has been that it was in its infancy, tied to vocal music when it existed at all, but
proposes a more equal balance, accompanying just a single vocal line with instruments in the likes of chansons by
Jacques Arcadelt
or
Philippe Verdelot
, and bringing some compelling all-instrumental dances. Sample one of the Saltarellos, which mix a brisk Renaissance harpsichord with a period harp and lute for a vigorous effect. The sonorities here will be new to most listeners, with the little-played viola bastarda and organetto in addition to the harpsichord, harp, and lute. It all sounds pretty specialized, but the general listener will find the album a fresh and musically compelling take on the music of the mid-Renaissance. ~ James Manheim