Seldom Sene - Taracea: A Mosaic of Ingenious Music Spanning Five Centuries (2014) [Hi-Res]

Taracea is the Spanish word for an inlaid decorative work of pieces of coloured wood. This craft was a source of inspiration for the recorder ensemble Seldom Sene in their choice of repertoire fort heir first CD: a juxtaposition of masterworks for 5 centuries, together forming a harmonious unity. We find works by Renaissance masters Cabezon, Josquin, Tallis, Tye, we travel the Baroque with Holborne, Boismortier and Bach, we end up in the 20th century with Reger, Gheysen, Nasapoulou: a fascinating journey!

The Dutch ensemble Seldom Sene plays a wide variety of instruments, from the twittering sopranino to the deep sonority of the bass recorder, an immense spectrum of sounds.

Taracea (Spanish) is defined as ‘an inlaid decorative work made from small pieces of different coloured woods and other fine materials, arranged to form intricate geometric shapes’ (liner notes). This is exactly what is represented in his colourful and eclectic mix of music, most of which has been specially arranged for recorders by the artists on the recording. The works span the ancient and modern eras – from Christopher Tye and Antonio de Cabezón to Frans Geysen and Aspasia Nasopoulou – and many have been adapted from Renaissance and Baroque sacred vocal compositions; one of the challenges pertaining to this music is evoking the original sung idiom through instrumental language.

“The recorder consort's limitations as a chamber ensemble show...But these observations are outweighed by the commitment, technical versatility, unanimity of ensemble and near-immaculate tuning on display.” (Gramophone)

Seldom Sene recorder quintet