Barbara Bonney - Fairest Isle

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Music reviews of Barbara Bonney - Fairest Isle

Music Review: Spectacular...as always!
Rating: 4 Stars

As implied by the title, this disc contains a program of Brittish music, and to my knowledge it is Ms Bonney's first forray into this repetoire. The program is expertly constructed: the first 1/3 of the disc is with sparse lute accompaniment; the second 1/3 of the disc is with a viol ensemble; and the final 1/3 finds Ms Bonney supported by the Academy of Ancient Music (led by Christopher Hogwood). The disc, therefore, develops and transitions from the charming simplicity of the first songs to the ebullient full sound of the final songs. The program ironically concludes with an artistic high point and emotional "downer". THY HAND, BELINDA is sublimely rendered. Ms Bonney's sparkling soprano cascades over the destruction of Dido's tragic life like a sparrow floating over a battlefield. "Remember me but forget my fate" are not the most uplifting words to end a fabulous set, perhaps, but the gorgeous performance justifies the heavy heart.

I saw Ms Bonney perform in San Francisco last year (performing a program of Scandinavian music). I had enjoyed her recorded music for several years, but witnessing her performace resulted in a deepened appreciation for the woman, as well as the performer. She is gracious, she is "nice", and she is human. There is no pretention or ego about her. She eschews the annoying pomposity of the average "serious music" artist, which is a distinction that will keep me buying each new release.

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