Birthdays can bring gifts the whole world can enjoy, and we owe the production of this very special recording (a beautifully packaged two-disc set) to the 400th anniversary of the birth of William Lawes. In celebration, Jordi Savall and his remarkable band of musicians conspired to record “all ten Consort Sets in Five and Six Parts.” That means nearly two hours of some of the most sonorous, imaginatively conceived, elegantly executed works for viols ever written, performed to the highest standard of technique and careful attention to style, with an expressive point of view that follows the shape and sense of the line while never shying from a chance to exploit a gorgeous chord whenever possible. Although Lawes died relatively young–43–he achieved a mature compositional stature, evidenced in every one of the “sets” on display here. He’s particularly good at taking a melody and subjecting it to all manner of variation and imitative treatment, often developing wonderfully complex textures that somehow always maintain an ingratiating tunefulness. The Pavans are especially touching–notably the five-part C minor, inspired by Dowland’s famous Lachrimae. The influence of the madrigalian Monteverdi is noticeable everywhere, in dancing rhythms and vividly expressive effects of bow articulation and colorful, sometimes unexpected harmonies. This is an exceptional collection–in rich, full-bodied, perfectly balanced sound that gives realistic presence to the instruments while allowing plenty of breathing room for strings and wood to properly resonate. [8/24/2002]
