Kirkby, Emma: Musique and Sweet Poetrie - Jewels From Europe Around 1600 - Emma Kirkby

Step back in time to the dawn of the 17th century with Emma Kirkby's enchanting album, "Musique and Sweet Poetrie - Jewels From Europe Around 1600." This exquisite collection, released on January 1, 2007, under the BIS label, is a treasure trove of classical, choral, and operatic gems that transport you to a bygone era of musical elegance.

The album features a rich tapestry of songs and lute solos, performed with the utmost grace and precision by Emma Kirkby, a renowned soprano known for her pure, ethereal voice. Accompanied by the skilled Jakob Lindberg on the lute, Kirkby breathes new life into these historical pieces, making them accessible and captivating for modern audiences.

"Musique and Sweet Poetrie" spans a diverse range of compositions, from the delicate "Almain" and "Full fathom five thy father lies" to the more dramatic "Erbarm dich mein, O Herre Gott" and "Cesses mortels de soupirer." The album's duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes offers a substantial journey through the musical landscape of early 17th-century Europe.

Recorded in the acoustically superb Orford Church in Suffolk, United Kingdom, the album benefits from the expert production of Ben Turner and the engineering prowess of Philip Hobbs. The Hybrid SACD format ensures that the audio quality is as pristine as the performances themselves.

Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a curious newcomer, "Musique and Sweet Poetrie - Jewels From Europe Around 1600" is a delightful exploration of a pivotal period in musical history. Let Emma Kirkby's enchanting voice and Jakob Lindberg's masterful lute playing guide you through this enchanting collection of songs and solos.

Dame Emma Kirkby, DBE, is an acclaimed English soprano renowned for her mastery of early music. Born in Camberley, Surrey, Kirkby's journey into the world of music began as a classics student at Oxford, where she sang for pleasure in choirs and small groups, particularly drawn to Renaissance and Baroque repertoire. Her professional career took off when she joined the Taverner Choir in 1971, leading to a long and fruitful association with the Consort of Musicke and other pioneering ensembles in historically informed performance.

Kirkby's warm, flexible voice has graced over 100 recordings, showcasing her expertise in Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical music. Her performances are celebrated for their lightness, brilliance, and emotional depth, making her a favorite among classical music enthusiasts worldwide. Kirkby's contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Order of the British Empire in 2000. Beyond her musical achievements, Kirkby's engaging personality and insightful approaches to singing have made her a beloved figure in the classical music community. Whether performing in grand concert halls or intimate venues, Kirkby's performances are always a captivating experience.