Various: Queens Music (Italian 17Th-Century Vocal Duets And Trios) (Emma Kirkby/ Lars Ulrik Mortensen/ Mime Yamahiro Brinkmann/ Peter Harvey/ Susanne Rydén) (BIS: BISCD1715)

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The programme on this disc consists of a selection of Italian 17th-centruy vocal duets and trios from the Whitelocke manuscript, with Carissimi's?álarge-scale cantata I Naviganti at its heart. These duets and trios form a kind of refined entertainment music for intimate occasions: emotionally charged, yet playful songs about love and passion intended for an aristocratic audience. The combination of simple yet elegant melodies and colourful, sometimes even bold, harmonies lends these songs a particular sweetness which is here brought out by a close-knit group of some of the finest performers in the field of period performance today, with Emma Kirkby, Peter Harvey, Susanne Ryden and Mime Yamahiro Brinkmann. They are joined by the Danish harpsichordist Lars Ulrik Mortensen, who also adds variety to the programme with instrumental solos by Frescobaldi.