Immerse yourself in the golden age of English Renaissance music with "Flora Gave Me Fairest Flowers: Elizabethan Madrigals" by The Cambridge Singers, conducted by the renowned John Rutter. Released in 2003, this exquisite collection of 25 madrigals offers a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of Elizabethan vocal music, spanning a duration of 1 hour and 11 minutes.
This album is a testament to the enduring beauty of Elizabethan madrigals, a genre that flourished during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The Cambridge Singers, under Rutter's meticulous direction, bring to life a diverse range of compositions, showcasing the intricate polyphony and lyrical elegance characteristic of the era. From the lively and playful "Now Is the Month of Maying" to the poignant and reflective "The Silver Swan," each piece is performed with precision and passion, highlighting the unique charm of this musical period.
The album features a variety of composers, including Thomas Morley, John Farmer, and others, whose works exemplify the artistry and innovation of Elizabethan music. The Cambridge Singers' impeccable vocals and Rutter's insightful conducting create a harmonious blend that resonates with both historical authenticity and contemporary appeal.
"Flora Gave Me Fairest Flowers: Elizabethan Madrigals" is not just a collection of songs but a celebration of a musical heritage that continues to inspire and enchant. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of choral music or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises a rewarding and enriching listening experience.
2003 Collegium2003 Collegium
Tracks
Ballets & Madrigals, Vol. 1: No. 8, Hark, All Ye Lovely Saints AboveThomas Weelkes, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Psalmes, Sonnets & Songs of Sadness & Pietie (Excerpts): No. 12, Though Amaryllis Dance in GreenWilliam Byrd, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
A Brief Discourse: No. 9, Round About in a Fair RingJohn Bennet, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Songs of 3-6 Parts (Excerpts): No. 22, Adieu, Ye City-Pris'ning TowersThomas Tomkins, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
The First Set of English Madrigals (Excerpts): No. 19, Flora Gave Me Fairest FlowersJohn Wilbye, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
The First Set Apt for Vyols & Voyces (Excerpts): Sweet Suffolk OwlThomas Vautor, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
The Triumphs of Oriana: No. 17, As Vesta Was from Latmos Hill DescendingThomas Weelkes, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Psalmes, Sonnets & Songs of Sadness & Pietie (Excerpts): No. 32, Lullaby My Sweet Little BabyWilliam Byrd, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Psalmes, Songs & Sonnets: No. 8, This Sweet and Merry Month of MayWilliam Byrd, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Balletts to 5 Voyces, Book 1 (Excerpts): No. 3, Now Is the Month of MayingThomas Morley, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
The First Set of English Madrigals: No. 14, A Little Pretty Bonny LassJohn Farmer, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Balletts to 5 Voyces, Book 1 (Excerpts): No. 14, Fyer, Fyer!Thomas Morley, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Songs of 3-6 Parts (Excerpts): No. 14, Too Much I Once LamentedThomas Tomkins, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Ballets for 5 Voices, Book 1 (Excerpts): No. 7, My Bonny Lass She SmilethThomas Morley, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Ayres or Phantasticke Sprits for 3 Voices (Excerpts): No. 19, Ha Ha! This World Doth PassThomas Weelkes, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
No Haste but Good: No. 2, Quick, Quick, Away, Dispatch!Michael East, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Madrigals & Motets for 5 Voices: No. 9, Dainty Fine BirdOrlando Gibbons, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
The Firste Booke of Songes: No. 17, Come Again, Sweet Love Doth Now InviteJohn Dowland, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
The First Set Apt for Vyols & Voyces (Excerpts): Mother, I Will Have a HusbandThomas Vautor, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
The Second Set of Madrigals (Excerpts): No. 31, Draw On, Sweet NightJohn Wilbye, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Sleep, Fleshly BirthRobert Ramsey, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
The Second Set of Madrigals (Excerpts): No. 21, Weep, Weep Mine EyesJohn Wilbye, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
yres or Phantasticke Spirits for 3 Voices (Excerpts): No. 26, Death Hath Depriv'd MeThomas Weelkes, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Madrigals & Motets for 5 Voices: No. 1, The Silver SwanOrlando Gibbons, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
The First Set of Madrigals (Excerpts): No. 12, Adieu, Sweet AmaryllisJohn Wilbye, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
The Cambridge Singers, founded in 1981 by renowned composer and conductor John Rutter, are a distinguished English mixed-voice chamber choir known for their exceptional recordings. Originally comprising former members of the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, where Rutter served as Director of Music, the group was established with a primary focus on creating high-quality recordings under their own label, Collegium Records. With over fifty recordings to their credit, The Cambridge Singers have become synonymous with exquisite choral performances, spanning both sacred and secular repertoire from various eras. Their discography showcases a rich tapestry of compositions, featuring works by esteemed composers such as Stanford, Britten, and Rutter himself. The choir's members, predominantly professional ensemble singers, bring a wealth of experience and talent to their recordings, ensuring a polished and refined sound that resonates with audiences worldwide.
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The Cambridge Singers
