Garden of early delights

Pamela Thorby collaborates with Andrew Lawrence-King in this delightful selection.

Originally released in 2008, Garden of Early Delights has been re-issued as part of Linn’s ECHO series which offers a second chance to enjoy the best of the label’s award-winning recordings.

Garden of Early Delights is a mixed bouquet of diverse, joyous, unusual and eloquent pieces from the Renaissance and Early Baroque periods. Performed by Pamela Thorby on recorders and Andrew Lawrence-King on harps and psaltery, these are two virtuosic musicians unsurpassed in their respective fields.  The garden of 16th and 17th century music brought forth a rich harvest of symbolism and literary associations - some of which are presented on this album. The programme includes bursts of good humour in the treatment of van Eyck’s popular variations, sensuous melancholy from Dowland contrasting with the formality of diminutions on favourite madrigals. ’Garden of Early Delights’ includes solo pieces from both musicians, plus works that allow them to come together and showcase their considerable skills for musical interaction. Pamela Thorby and Andrew Lawrence-King merge their considerable experience of other genres to deliver a unique performance on an album that brings to life music full of surprise, beauty and delight.

Recorded at The National Centre for Early Music, York, UK from October 30th - November 1st 2006