Harpsichordist Carole Cerasi presents a selection
of keyboard music by Thomas Tomkins, one of the most important
English composers of the 17th century. While his music clearly
resembles that of his mentor William Byrd, Tomkins lived exceptionally
long - he died at 94, almost Methuselan for that time - and
his music shows a variety of influences. From lively, energetic
works to more subtle melodic pieces, Tomkins’ keyboard music
covers the full range of styles from the 16th and 17th centuries.
This disc starts out with a very rapid, virtuosic
work, not unlike some of Byrd’s keyboard music. While there
is a certain amount of energy in this piece, its musicality
is almost lost in the rush. Carole Cerasi certainly has the
talent to negotiate this rapid music, but the result is not
very convincing. < Sample 1>
Yet Cerasi seems to be at her best with the
slower, more subtle pieces, such as the Pavan of three parts,
a simple, attractive, melodic work, or the melancholic A sad
pavan for these distracted times, which recalls some of the
sadder pieces by John Dowland. This is a beautiful, moving work,
and Cerasi gives it all the emotion it deserves. <Sample
2>
Cerasi’s shows a fine talent for ornamentation
in some pieces. What if a day is a beautiful, yet simple work,
a series of variations which comes to life with these subtle
ornaments. Cerasi embellishes this work with fine arabesques,
yet manages to not go too far. <Sample 3>
This recording, played on both harpsichord
and virginal, gives a fine overview of Tomkin’s varied keyboard
music. Cerasi is an excellent performer, and, with the exception
of some of the faster pieces where she gets carried away by
the tempo, her interpretations are first-rate.
Kirk McElhearn
Carole Cerasi (harpsichord)
