Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Elizabethan music with "Flora Gave Me Fairest Flowers: Elizabethan Madrigals" by The Cambridge Singers. Released in 2003, this exquisite collection of 25 tracks offers a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of Renaissance vocal music. Under the direction of John Rutter, The Cambridge Singers deliver a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply expressive, showcasing the beauty and complexity of Elizabethan madrigals.
The album spans a variety of moods and themes, from the joyous and celebratory to the introspective and melancholic. Each piece is meticulously crafted, highlighting the intricate harmonies and poetic lyrics that define the madrigal form. Whether you're a seasoned fan of choral music or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate with its timeless appeal.
From the lively "Now Is the Month of Maying" to the tender "Lullaby My Sweet Little Baby," the tracks on this album offer a diverse range of musical experiences. The Cambridge Singers' pristine vocals and Rutter's expert direction bring these historical pieces to life, making "Flora Gave Me Fairest Flowers" a standout addition to any music collection. With a duration of just over an hour, this album is perfect for those who appreciate the finer details of vocal music and the artistry of the Elizabethan era.
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