THE MUSIC, THE PERFORMERS AND THEIR INTERPRETATIONS

Scarborough Fair… Yes, the wonderful tune universally known in the version of a pop duo during the last 60s, has its origins in the 17th century, although its roots come from earlier centuries. This CD makes an extraordinary trip through 16th and 17th century English, Irish and Scottish works, some of them popular dances, and others of a more classical origin. But the roots of folk music can be perceived in almost all of them, from the beautiful anonsmous tune of Scarborough Fair to the works by Matteis, Shore, Locke or Handel, for example. Thus, the music included here pertains to both the traditional musicians' world and the middle and high classes, who would perform music ion their houses as an entertainment. Hence the fascinating contrasts between the vigorous Irish jiggs or the Scottish tunes, and the formal perfection of the Handel sonata or the adventurous harmonic surprises hidden in the music of Matthew Locke. The present CD can also be considered like a travel around the recorder repertoire in the British Islands, showing both its stylistic evolution during the 17th and 18th centuries and the evolution of its performing techniques. The performer here, the Belgian recorder player Patrick Denecker, is an outstanding virtuoso, director of the ensemble La Caccia, and soloist with important groups and orchestras, like Helios Ensemble or Ricercar Consort. With him we shall find the Belgian harpsichordist Guy Penson, who accompanies him in this recording, full of moments of intense vitality, magic and mystery.

Patrick Denecker, recorders
Guy Penson, harpsichords

Total time 61:47