This week Classical reviewer Geoff Adams listens to Von Wolkenstein: Songs of Myself, and Passing.
Oswald Von Wolkenstein (literally Oswald from the castle in the clouds) was a musician from South Tyrol who travelled over 15th-century Europe, composing more than 130 songs. Fortunately, he paid a monk to write them down.
They contain a wonderful range of styles, as famous countertenor Scholl demonstrates (even using his fine baritone voice in one.)
Verses from Es fugt sich (It happened) describing the troubadour's travels, are interspersed with the songs.
The 21 tracks also include some lively airs, notably Parlamento, by baroque chamber group Shield of Harmony containing Kathleen Dineen (soprano and harp).
This is a nicely produced disc, with a 62-page booklet. Follow the translations of lyrics as you enjoy the exquisite singing.
Highlight: unaccompanied Herz, Mut, Leib, Sel (Heart, Mind, Body, Soul).
Although recorded three years ago at the Asian Composers' League Festival in Wellington, nine works by Australian and New Zealand composers have just been released. They show a fine rapport as Pacific musicians demonstrate samples of their creativity to the Asians.
From five Australian composers, the outstanding compositions were Barry Conyngham's Passing, a tribute to Japanese composer Toru Takemitsu, Mark Zadro's spectacular Promiscuous and Julian Yu's A Tribute to Water.
Four Kiwi composers are represented: Chris Cree-Brown chills the ears nicely with his Antarctic-themed Icescape; Samuel Holloway, Leonie Holmes, Chris Gendall and Helen Bowater had interesting pieces.
Highlight: New Year Fanfare by former Mozart Fellow Helen Bowater works well.
