Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Elizabethan madrigals with The Cambridge Singers' captivating album, "Flora Gave Me Fairest Flowers." Released on June 1, 2003, under the Collegium label, this exquisite collection showcases the group's virtuosity in choral performances, blending sacred and secular themes with remarkable finesse.
Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 11 minutes, the album is a rich tapestry of compositions from various sources, including "The Triumphs of Oriana," "Psalmes, Sonnets & Songs of Sadness & Pietie," and "Balletts to 5 Voyces, Book 1." Each track is a testament to the intricate beauty of Renaissance polyphony, with pieces like "The Silver Swan," "Come Again, Sweet Love Doth Now Invite," and the title track "Flora Gave Me Fairest Flowers" standing out as highlights.
The Cambridge Singers, known for their precise and expressive performances, bring these historical works to life with a blend of technical mastery and emotional depth. The album's genres, choral and Christmas, reflect the diverse range of themes explored, from the joyous "Now Is the Month of Maying" to the poignant "Death Hath Depriv'd Me."
Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of early music or a newcomer to the genre, "Flora Gave Me Fairest Flowers" offers a compelling journey through the Elizabethan era's musical landscape. The Cambridge Singers' dedication to authenticity and their ability to convey the essence of each composition make this album a treasure trove for anyone appreciating the art of choral singing.
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
Vinylscout