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Current Release

This album is inspired by the legacy of the painting by Leonardo Da Vinci The Red Angel, a work of art that has inspired many musicians, poets and artists throughout the centuries.

The Red Angel is the starting point for a journey through the music of the Renaissance, from the explosion of art and music around Florence in the south, to the wonderful music of John Dowland as the Renaissance swept north across Europe.

On this recording the music is performed on the classical guitar, a natural descendent of the lute. It is an instrument capable of much poetic depth, containing all of the nuances, colours and strains of many of the plucked string instruments popular during the period, including the lute, cittern, cistre, cittern and the Renaissance guitar.

Maurice Cope prefers to record as in a live performance. Therefore this recording is presented in the form of a recital with minimum editing so as to retain the poetic flow of the music from beginning to end. There is a book available of the music on the recording. The music has been prepared from the original Lute manuscripts and care has been taken to retain the charm and beauty of the original, whilst preparing a score accessible for others to play.

Track Information.

Tracks 1 to 6, Vincentio Galilei, circa 1520-1591.

1. Vaghe Belleze et Bionde Treccie D'Oro Vedi Che Per ti Moro. 2. Bianca Fiore. 3. Danza. 4. Gagliarda. 5 Se Lo M’Aceorgo. 6. Salterello.

Vencentio Gallei was a prominent composer/theorist and lutenist of the Renaissance, he was also father of the great astronomer Galileo Galilei. Vincentio Galilie studied in Venice under the composer and lutenist Zarlino. Some time later he settled in Florence with his family. In his time his playing was much in demand and unlike many of his contemporaries he enjoyed considerable affluence. In 1581 he published his work ‘Dialogo Della Musica’ which was received with great acclaim. He was also the leader of a movement to revive through monody, the ancient Greek ideal of the union of music and poetry.

Tracks 7 to 11 John Dowland 1563-1634.

7. Lachramae Pavan. 8. Mistress Winter’s Jump. 9. Melancholy Galliard. 10. Wilson’s Wilde. 11. Tarleton’s Resurrection.

John Dowland stands at the beginning of a long timeline of great British composers. He travelled extensively on the Continent and by the year 1600 he was considered to be one of the most famous lutenists in Europe. His compositional output was huge and a selection of his best known works are performed here.

Tracks 12 to 13 Robert Johnson, 1580-1634.

12.The Dance. 13.Alman.

Robert Johnson was employed as a composer and lutenist for The Shakespeare Theatre Company, the two pieces played here were used as dances and interludes in a number of the great plays.

Johnson was also very popular in the artistic circles of the time. His close friends included, Ben Jonson, Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher. His music was also very popular outside the theatre and was often heard at social gatherings including inns and banquets.

Tracks 16 to 17 Anon

16.As I went to Walsingham. 17 The Idiot’s Dance.

No recital of Renaissance music would be complete without a selection of anonymous pieces from the period, and two extremes of style are offered here. As I Went to Walsingham is a serene sacred work depicting the journey to the famous shrine of our Lady in Norfolk. The Idiot’s Dance was a popular comical drinking dance performed by locals at inns and places of popular entertainment throughout Europe.

Recorded at Modus Vetus Studios on a classical guitar built in 1967 by Harold Petersen. Recording equipment used; Tascam US22 Audio Interface, Apple Mac Computer, Cubase SX and SE Electronics Microphones. 

I am also offering a recital of the music for 2008. The programme is well suited for a Lunchtime Concert, Banquet or as an Acoustic Set for a Festival. I can offer this on the Lute or Classical Guitar

Listen to samples of the tracks or download the album here from itunes