Home listening - riches from the 16th and 17th centuries – and earlier

The Guardian 0

A magical mystery tour with Ed Lyon, Fretwork come full circle, and the story of the early music revolution

• One of the year’s most enjoyable discs is a new album by the tenor Ed Lyon. His 17th Century Playlist (Delphian) includes songs of contrasting mood by Cavalli, Landi and other less familiar baroque composers. All, except one by Dowland, were new to me. Part of the charm, Lyon’s versatile singing aside, is the rich accompaniment – plucked and bowed – provided by lutenist Elizabeth Kenny and the ensemble Theatre of the Ayre, playing variously guitar, theorbo, triple and Irish harp, viola da gamba and violins.

Taking the notion that much of this music was written for small courts, shaped in response to the tastes of a benefactor or dedicatee, Lyon has conceived the programme as a highly personal mixtape-cum-playlist. Switching with agility between French, Italian and English, he gives each track distinct character and spirit. One for any baroque fan’s Christmas list.