William Byrd’s Masses
Tallis Scholars
Gimmel Records

First of all, for the jewel that is the Mass for 5 voices, but also because it is among the very first recordings through which I discovered early music.

BACH

Bach’s Works for Lute
Hopkinson Smith
Astrée Auvidis (1981-1987)

A monument in the literature of lute music recorded by the great contemporary lute player.

FROBERGER

Froberger’s Pièces de Clavessin
Blandine Verlet (recorded in 1989)
Astrée Auvidis

I am always moved by the freedom of the recital, the apparent simplicity of Le Tombeau de Monsieur Blancheroche, and the anguish expressed in the descending scale.

JOÃO GILBERTO

Les chansons de João Gilberto (for example his live Eu sei que vou te amar on E.P.I.C).
These are to 20th century Brazil what the air de cour was to the 17th century.

JOHN BULL

Doctor Bull’s Good Night by Pierre Hantaï.
Astrée Auvidis

For In Nomine and the magnificent Melancoly Gaillard.