Portrait

Fine examples of Paul O'Dette's talents and a wonderfully entertaining CD

Until recently I knew of Paul O'Dette only as a member of Andrew Lawrence-King's Harp Consort with a reputation of being arguably the world's finest lutenist. This recording demonstrates that whoever made the claim had good cause. The performances from supporting musicians and singers match O'Dette's stylish playing in a very well-planned programme that can hardly fail to delight discerning music lovers. July 26, 2008

A fantastic sampler!

The cd is a sampler of O'Dette's recordings with the label Harmonia Mundi ranging from solo lute pieces to vocal ensembles. However, the mixture of the 22 tracks over 72 minutes becomes a fantastic musical and emotional journey. I quickly became attached to the album. Fantastic! This music and the performances of O'Dette have taken on a life of their own. It is a beautiful album that I would highly recommend to anybody that has a love for the lute as well as the music of the 15th-17th centuries. It is an album you will keep and play forever and ever. July 19, 2008

Marvellous!!A delicious recording!!!

O`Dette! The lutanist that would become popular in Dowlands time! he seems to me like a Leonhardt on lute.I find the lute no less expressive and enchanting than harpsichord or piano when I listen to Mr O`Dette October 1, 2004

Rock guitarist turned lutanist

I listen to this album over and over and never get tired of it. O'Dette's interpretations keep sounding fresh and alive, perhaps because of his rock background. This was the popular music of the time and he plays it that way. There's no dusty mustiness of age hanging over it.

The compilation of different albums is great; different instrument combinations and vocal pieces interspersed. I highly recommend it. August 5, 2002

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