DAPPER’S DELIGHT: Indoors
DAPPER’S DELIGHT
Indoors
Karnatic Lab 025
Dapper’s Delight, the Dutch-based duo of Anglo concertina and recorder (the recorders are specially made and based on 16th century models) specialize in music that sounds far more ‘rarified’ than it really is: music from the period 1550-1750. Music was in transition then, before folk music as such existed, with âclassicalâ melodies often adapted to broadside ballads, as with âThe Bucksome Lass Of Westminster,â whose tune comes from Purcell; music was classed as high or low, depending on the arrangement and performance. This mix of tunes and songs is expertly performed (recorder player Susanna Borsch is a revelation in what she can achieve on the instrument) and arranged, to the point where the ear doesnât miss other instruments. This isnât background listening; its delicacy and intricacy demands attention, although Adrian Brown isnât the best singer in the world (but that does convey the âlowâ aspect of some of the music). Some of the tunes will be familiar to lovers of English folk music, and thereâs even a Morris tune (âOld Molly Oxfordâ) presented in slightly different form, with less emphasis on the rhythm, to close proceedings. This is much more than a dry, academic exploration. It brings the music of the period quite vividly to life, sprightly, endearing and sometimes quite bawdy.
â Chris Nickson