2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
With all respect.., Sep 10 2010
By T. Diehl - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Apollon Orateur (Audio CD)
With all respect to 'Kidneykutter" a surgeon who is a real lute lover, supporter and a great guy, he has made a major mistake that many make: the lack of 'dance like' character is a fallacy often brought to the front by amateur performers of early music. (I agree however that the recording could be better, as it makes the playing seem less dynamic than it is.)
That is to say, by the time period in which this music was composed, people were not dancing to this music at all; the lute music especially was listening music, and the formalistic dance basis was already long evolved into something quite a bit more esoteric and less physical. True, some rhythmic dance characteristics remain, but in a highly diluted form.
Bailes has never been a very 'outspoken' performer on lute, despite his first training as jazz guitarist; but his performance here is very poetic and delicate, with great sensitivity. And as to other performances, not all of the music here is available in alternative performances to begin with. On the other extreme we have Liddell, mentioned by Kidneykutter, who makes so many accents that some pieces entirely lose any poetic reference and are grounded on the earth-the opposite extreme of Bailes or Hoppy for that matter. And as many of you reading this will know, the world of 17th century French lute music is the ultimate example of a precious world of the poetic, in musical references and aspirations, and Bailes fits the bill perfectly.
Hopefully, there will follow many more versions of these pieces by others; nonetheless, this disc is wonderful and a a must for lute music collectors everywhere.
4.0 out of 5 stars
An alternative approach, Sep 13 2011
By Orlando Pizzicato - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Apollon Orateur (Audio CD)
OK. So Anthony Bailes is not the type of lutenist who wears his heart on his sleeve. But I for, one appreciate his mature yet sensitive approach to the highly nuanced repertoire of 17th century French lute music. There is something to be said for more cerebral poetry that compels one to consider a variety of meanings, as opposed to the dramatic use of more obvious and overt language and word accents that leave the reader no alternative other than the authors intended meaning. Anthony Bailes demonstrates extraordinary control over tone, rhythm and dynamics, which is especially impressive given that he plays an instrument that dates from the early 18th century and has a much longer string length than normally used for this repertoire. The notes mention in an understated way that the lute does not respond as readily as more modern instruments - it is probably a real bear to play. Bailes' evenness of tone, balance of the registers, and clarity of dynamic intent are hallmarks of a master of his instrument. While I like the music to dance a bit more, it is an historical fact that the lute was not typically used to accompany actual dances - only the occasional sarabande, as mentioned in the Burwell lute tutor (circa 1660). But he keeps a darn good beat. The only reason I didn't give the recording five stars is because I'm jealous.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
a gentle attempt at the impossible..., Aug 1 2010
By Edwards Johanssen - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Apollon Orateur (Audio CD)
i'm amazed at the variety of ways that 17th century french lute music is interpreted. the above reviewer has listed a few artists who have given their version to us in recordings. i can think of at least 10, and there is little similarity between them. if you are not among the very few that are intimately familiar with, and have a pre-existing opinion of how this music "should" be played, i believe you may find this disc quite beautiful. mr. bailes produces a lovely, expressive tone from his antique instrument and reveals the beauty of this magnificent yet intimate music in a unique way. personally, i feel that denis and ennemond gaultier (not to mention the other lutenist composers of the time) wrote music that can't be played well enough...period. it is greater than our idea of it. i find this disc a joy to listen to, even though as an aspiring baroque lutenist i would play some of the pieces differently. i was not let down, on the contrary, mr. bailes' sensitive, masterful playing makes for a welcome addition to the growing number of recordings of this sublime music.