Credits:

Mark Levon, Paul Keifer, Grace Newcom.

Description:

The plectrum lute = medieval lute duo was one of the most popular ensembles for instrumentalists active in Western Europe in the late 15th century. This album is inspired by one such virtuoso, Pietro dal Quitalino (c. 1417-1497) of Ferrare, who was regarded as "the best lute player in the world" at the time. Unfortunately, very little of the musical notation of the music he played with his colleagues has survived, but Marc Levon and Paul Kiefer, who have been bringing medieval music to life for many years, have researched and carefully recreated the repertoire that Quitalino and his colleagues would have played, including tinctoris, agricola, and more! The music is accompanied by songs, most of which are sung. Most of the pieces are accompanied by singing, but some are instrumental only, providing an insight into the variety of arrangements of 15th-century lute music. Grace Newcombe, who sings with great relish, is also the founder and director of the Ensemble Lemorum, which performs primarily medieval works. Naxos Japan