The Kings Singers, The Harp Consort, Andrew Lawrence-King, Spanish Anonymous, Gabriel de Texerana, Francisco de Penalosa, Cristobal de Morales, Mateo Flecha, Francisco Guerrero, Antonio de Cabezon, Juan Gutierrez de Padilla, Santiago de Murcia - Fire-Water: The Spirit of Renaissance Spain

Other recent King's Singers' recordings on this label have reaffirmed the ensemble's credentials as compelling advocates of contemporary music. Here, only the most hardhearted of early music purists could fail to find the infectious cocktail of popular and religious Spanish music--largely 16th century--going to their heads, even if the King's Singers add the occasional theatrical embellishment. The music (much of it by "Anon") is organized into five categories, among them "fire" and "water" (with the alternative implications of ardor and alcohol). Of the named composers, none takes the ear more readily than Mateo Flecha the Elder. His La Bomba, one of several lengthy ensaladas (miniature music dramas), steals the show, with its comic tale of a bunch of sailors' impassioned but shallow prayer for deliverance from shipwreck. Elsewhere the moods range from pious to bitter-sweet melancholy--and just try to keep your feet still in villancicos such as Rodrigo Martinez. Those familiar, warm Harp Consort textures contribute markedly to the overall richness of sound. --Andrew Green Amazon.com

Great early music

I like the vocals of the Kings Singers and the music of the Harp Consort, but what makes this album so great is the percussion. April 18, 2008

Outstanding

This is an extremely fun vocal Cd with really great arrangements. I thoroughly enjoy it and bought copies for all of my family too. March 10, 2007

The King's Singers work their magic again

Having been a fan of the King's Singers since my teenage years, which are growing ever more faint in my memory, I am sometimes surprised that they still surprise me. And yet, they always do. There is something quite magical about their voices - not just their individual voices, which are all wonderful, but what happens when you put them all together - the whole is definitely greater than the sum of the parts. They have hit upon a great formula, which will hopefully be around for many more wonderful recordings.

The other thing I love about the KS is how well they do different styles of music. Their technique on this is superb - the pronounciation, the intonation, all of it is right on the money. Yet they also manage to "take off the viking hat" (as my choral director likes to say when we're switching styles) and do the Beatles without butchering them. It's really quite something to behold.

This CD is a great introduction to the classical side of the KS, and a definite must-have for any current fan. The pieces are beautiful and exciting, they all complement each other wonderfully, and the whole thing is just a joy to hear! January 28, 2006

PERFECT INTERPRETATION

I am a fun of Spanish Renaissance Music and I found this recording extremely good! King's Singers shows their abilities once again! March 5, 2005

Fabulous!

I am a huge fan of Renaissance music, and I have to say, this recording is truly outstanding! The blend, dynamics, style and tone really need to be heard to be appreciated. The addition of the Harp Consort to this already superlative group also gets a big "thumbs up" from me. And Stephen Connolly! Oh, be still my foolish heart!! What a voice! The most resonant I can remember hearing! The selections by Mateo Flecha will make you laugh out loud, but my personal favorite - at least, for the moment - is "Aleph, quomodo sedet sola civitas" by Padilla. The extremely musical performance and the chill-producing display of dynamics makes this piece sound like it is performed by a choir of many more than six! I highly recommend this CD to all who appreciate quality music. January 5, 2001

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