Illuminations Vol 1

Zana Clarke - Illuminations Vol 1, OMP017

This collection of twenty-six pieces is mainly monophonic, with seven two-part pieces and three trios. Many of them will already be familiar melodies, available in other collection, but I was pleased to discover a number which i did not already know. They are presented in a simple form, not arranged with particular instruments in mind, and Zana Clarke begins with some interesting suggestions for performance, based on her own experiences. 

There are troubador songs, anonymous dances, Landini's Ecco la primavera, and numerous other pieces by famous names (not forgetting Anonymous!). I would have liked to have had the words as well, however these pieces do sound well on instruments alone and this may well be this book's message. 

This book is beautifully produced, using vellum-coloured heavy paper, and is liberally illustrated with familiar images from manuscripts sources. It would make an excellent gift as well as being a simple introduction to the medieval repertoire. 

Alyson Lewin, The Recorder Magazine, Autumn 2000.