Bara Faustus' Dreame: Ayres, Ballads and Broken Consorts c. 1600 (Alpha Collection)

Featuring

Bruno Boterf
Nathalie Marec
Les Witches
Anonymous
John Dowland
Richard Alison

Jacob van Eyck
Peter Philips
Alfonso Ferrabosco the younger
William Byrd
Giovanni Coperario
John Ward
Thomas Morley

Did you know?

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Album & Artwork

The album title, "Bara Faustus' Dreame," is also the tune of an anonymous track on the album, "The Shepheards' Joy."

Recording & Production

This album was recorded in April 2003 at the Chapelle de l'Hôpital Notre-Dame de Bon Secours in Paris, France.

Interpretation

The claviorganum, a combined harpsichord and organ, was used in this recording to add its unique colors to the musical textures.

Composition History

The idea for this recording was inspired by Anne Cuneo's novel, "Le Trajet d'une rivière," which features Francis Tregian, a figure who copied music from the greatest musicians of his time.

Interpretation

The ensemble, Les Witches, aimed to recreate a genuine English broken consort, a rare formation featuring violin, flute, and viol, with lute, cittern, and bandora providing a subtle blend.

Critical Reception

Later musicological research suggests that Francis Tregian may have personally copied only a small portion, or even none, of the music attributed to him, though his myth remains influential.

Historical Context

Francis Tregian, a central figure in the album's concept, is known for compiling hundreds of vocal and instrumental pieces, including the famous Fitzwilliam Virginal Book.